Paanakam

Paanakam is an authentic drink which offers to god as a prasadham for Rama navami,ancestors poja and even in local temples poojas.
As Rama Navami(Lord Rama's birthday) is nearing I thought of sharing this traditional drink which  made as prasadham for that day.
Also offered as  prasadham in temples especially in summer days as it is a body coolant and thirst quencher.
This drink is a very simple one which doesn't need any fancy ingredients and the flavor of cardamom and ginger with the hint of lemon makes it so refreshing.Now on to the recipe......................

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Jaggery	1/2cup
Water	21/4-21/2cups
Ginger(crushed)	1 inch piece
Cardamom powder	1/2tsp
Lemon juice	2tbs

Method 

• Dissolve the jaggery in 21/2 cups of water and add the crushed ginger,leave it for 10 minutes.
• After the jaggery completely dissolved in the water pass it through a strainer to remove the impurities and the ginger.
• To this add cardamom powder and lemon juice,let it sit for10 minute.
• Serve it.

Enjoy............................................................

• For extra flavor a small rice grain size of edible camphor can be added.
• Originally dry ginger(sukku)is added instead of fresh ginger.
• The amout of water and lemon juice can be decreased and increased according to personal preference. 
• To serve it chilled add some ice cubes.

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