Nimbu Pani (lemonade)
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Nimbu Pani or Lemonade is the perfect thirst-quencher for hot summers. Learn how to make Nimbu Pani just like the ones that are served on the streets of Mumbai.
For anyone who has lived in Mumbai, it is easy to picture this.
It is one of those hot summer months, and the sun is scorching hot. Getting out of the house seems like sheer torture.
The only source of relief for us is the Nimbu Pani Wala ( Lemonade vendor) who is right around the corner. He would quickly squeeze a lemon, add some of his “magic mix”, ice and water and serve you this mind-blowing lemonade – both sweet and sour.
This recipe for Nimbu Pani is my humble attempt to recreate that magic.
And if you haven’t had an opportunity to drink the sweet and sour Nimbu Pani, try this recipe and let me know via your comments on how you liked it.
Some fun facts about Nimbu Pani (lemonade)
Lemonade may mean different things depending on where you live. In the UK, Australia, Switzerland, and New Zealand, lemonade apparently refers to a colorless, carbonated, sweet lemon-flavored soft drink. Whereas in India, it is mostly uncarbonated unless you ask for a lime soda drink.
Is Lemonade made from Limes or Lemons?
Limes are green and are tarter than the lemons, which are yellow in color and tend to be sweeter.
In India, limes and lemons are used interchangeably. You will find limes on every street corner but lemons (especially the large ones that we find in the US) are hard to find. That’s why in India, limes are typically used for Lemonade or Nimbu Pani.
Choosing a lime
When choosing a lime, make sure to pick the one with the thinnest skin. Those ones yield the most juice. Also, rolling the lime on a flat surface before cutting it makes it easier to juice.
References
- http://www.vahrehvah.com/indianfood/lime-lemon/
- http://food.ndtv.com/opinions/uses-of-lemon-or-lime-whats-the-difference-1239821
- http://theindianvegan.blogspot.com/2012/10/all-about-lemon.html
- https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080305195510AANW45z
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Nimbu Paani (lemonade)
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup lime juice sieved (~ juice of 2 limes)
- 4 cups chilled water
- ½ teaspoon black salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder optional
Instructions
- Add lime juice and sugar to a pitcher. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the remaining ingredients (water, black salt, and cumin powder) and stir them until they are well combined.
- Serve with ice.
Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.
