Thursday, December 16, 2010

Inji Kashayam (Ginger Tea)

Kashayams are strong herbal teas/brews. Our grandparents and parents had kashayams to suit every situation. Inji (ginger) kashayam is an ubiquitous one to combat indigestion, dyspepsia, nausea, cough, and cold. Although called inji kashayam, sometimes it includes other herbs or spices. And whether it cures cold or not, it is quite refreshing and restorative on a cold day or when you are under the weather!

Here is the basic inji kashayam. Dried ginger may be used (half as much as the fresh) to make this kashayam.

4 Servings

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Fresh Ginger
1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns
1 Tbsp Jaggery or Honey or more
Fresh Lime Juice (optional)

Method:

If using fresh ginger, chop coarsely and mash slightly. If you have dried ginger, crush into a coarse powder. Crush the peppercorns if you like a strong brew or leave whole for a mild one.

Bring 4 cups of fresh water to a boil; add the ginger, peppercorns, and jaggery and simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Turn off heat, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.

Strain, add lime juice (and honey, if you are using it) and stir well.

Serve hot or warm. Enjoy!!

15 comments:

Hari Chandana P said...

Nice recipe :)

Anonymous said...

Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article

Geetha said...

Hari Chandana: Thank you for your message :)
Anon: Thank you for the compliments!

Anonymous said...

How much Ginger for four cups water?? You should mention quantity very clearly. Shall I add half KG of ginger???

Geetha said...

Anon 12/26: if you read the recipe, you would have clearly seen the quantity of ginger to add to the recipe; but if you like to use "half KG", you certainly can try.

Revathi said...

Thanks a lot!!! I am suffering from severe cough & cold. I am having this kashayam now. Feeling a lot better. My mom used to make this & now even i know the recipe.

Geetha said...

Hello Revathi, Glad to know that inji kashayam is helpful to you. Get well soon :)

Anonymous said...

nice good receipe my hubby is suffering from severe cough ,this kashayam works thank you

Geetha said...

Hello Anon, Glad to hear that Inji Kashayam is of help to you. We love it too - even without any cold or cough:)! Any leftover tea/kashayam may be saved and chilled in the fridge for a cool beverage or for making tea!!

Unknown said...

My mother uses aimodhagam to it. Does it add any value?

Geetha said...

Thanks Anon and NZ for stopping by!
Ayamodakam, omam, or ajwain, also known as Bishops weed or carom, this spice does have medicinal value. Enjoy Inji Kashayam however you like it; the above recipe is the basic one that we had at home.
Happy Cooking!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your recipe.

Geetha said...

You are most welcome! Thanks for stopping by and writing a comment! Happy cooking!

Unknown said...

Hi what's the substitute for jaggery pls

Geetha said...

You can use honey as given in the recipe or brown sugar. Happy cooking!