If the changing season has you falling sick, then you need to learn how to make kadha at home. Ingredients such as whole spices, ginger, and tulsi come together to make this warm and comforting drink that’s perfect to soothe an itchy, sore throat.
Before you scrunch your nose and scroll past this post, hear me out. This kadha is not like those brown, bitter liquids that you probably had growing up. No, this one’s a warm, sweet, and spicy concoction that’s actually delicious! My kids drink this kadha without complaints and always ask for some whenever they have the sniffles!
Jump To section: How To Make Kadha
Why You’ll Love This Kadha
This warming drink has so many benefits! Thanks to a number of anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting ingredients, this kadha is one of the best things you can drink to fight the flu, viral infection, and seasonal allergies. But unlike traditional kadhas that are usually bitter, this one tastes really good. It’s sweet thanks to the jaggery and misri, while the whole spices, ginger and tulsi give it sharp spicy notes. All in all, this kadha makes for a really soothing sick-day beverage to sip on while you rest in bed and Netflix!
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Kadha
- Whole spices: Whole spices like ajwain (carom seeds), black peppercorns, cinnamon, clove, and cardamom for spiciness, warmth and aroma that helps in decongestion.
- Herbs: Pounded tulsi leaves for their medicinal properties. Also delivers a sharp, pungent taste.
- Ginger: Pounded. Apart from the immunity boosting and healing properties of ginger, it also adds a beautiful heat to this kadha.
- Jaggery: For a lovely, caramel-y flavor.
- Mishri: Also known as rock sugar. Is a natural remedy against sore throat, cough and cold. It also adds a lovely sweetness to the drink.
- Turmeric: Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric powder helps soothe a sore throat and boosts immunity.
Richa’s Top Tips To Make Kadha
- You can swap turmeric powder for some fresh turmeric.
- Jaggery is traditionally added to kadhas, but you can swap it with another natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup.
- You can omit misri if you cannot find it.
- If you cannot find fresh ginger, sub it for ginger powder in a pinch.
- You can make the kadha stronger by allowing it to boil for longer.
Note
This kadha is not a replacement for medicine and won’t make the cold go away. But the concoction of spices and herbs always provides relief and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can have this kadha pretty much any time of the day. Growing up, my mom would give us a piping hot cup just before bed to relieve cold symptoms and help relax before bed.
Ideally it is best to make this kadha fresh each day. But you can cool down any leftovers and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.
This kadha is not a magic solution to cold and cough. But it feels like a warm hug on a sick day, and that’s definitely something we could all do more of. If you try this kadha recipe, be sure to leave me a comment below and send your photos over on my IG at @my_foodstory.
How To Make Kadha | Kashaya Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 8-10 cloves
- 3-4 cardamom
- 8-10 peppercorns
- 2 inch piece cinnamon
- 2 tbsp ajwain
- 1 ½ inch piece ginger
- 8-10 tulsi leaves
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp jaggery
- 1 tsp rock sugar optional
Instructions
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In a mortar and pestle, smash together cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon and ajwain to release their oils and flavour. Add this to the water.8-10 cloves, 3-4 cardamom, 8-10 peppercorns, 2 inch piece cinnamon, 2 tbsp ajwain, 3 cups water
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Then smash together ginger and tulsi and add this to the water as well along with turmeric powder, jaggery and rock sugar.1 ½ inch piece ginger, 8-10 tulsi leaves, ½ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp jaggery, 1 tsp rock sugar
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Bring this to a boil and then simmer till the liquid reduces to half.
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Strain and serve hot.
Notes
- The serving size is about ¼ cup per person
- This can also be made and stored in the fridge and reheated to serve later
- Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best results
- Consume a little at a time throughout the day
Nutrition
The post How To Make Kadha At Home| Kashaya Recipe appeared first on My Food Story.
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