Beat the Summers with this Traditional drink turn Dessert Aam Panna Sorbet

By Apurvi Bansal

Aam Panna is a traditional Indian beverage cherished for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. This invigorating drink is especially popular in the scorching summer months across the Indian subcontinent. Crafted primarily from raw green mangoes, Aam Panna is celebrated not only for its tangy and sweet flavor but also for its exceptional cooling properties.

Aam Panna holds a special place in Indian culture, particularly in regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and North India, where summers are particularly harsh. It is often prepared in households as a seasonal tradition and is served to guests as a gesture of hospitality. In many Indian families, the recipe for Aam Panna is passed down through generations, each adding their unique twist to the classic beverage.

Aam Panna Sorbet is a delightful twist on the traditional Indian beverage Aam Panna, transforming it into a refreshing frozen dessert perfect for beating the summer heat. This sorbet captures the essence of Aam Panna, with its tangy, sweet, and spicy notes, offering a cool, invigorating treat that is both flavorful and healthful.

Flavour Profile: 

Aam Panna Sorbet offers a multifaceted flavor experience. The tartness of the raw mangoes is perfectly counterbalanced by the sweetness of sugar or jaggery. The spices, particularly black salt and roasted cumin, introduce a depth of flavor that is both warming and slightly pungent, while the mint leaves provide a refreshing finish. This combination creates a sorbet that is both tangy and sweet, with a spicy undertone that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Health Benefits

Aam Panna Sorbet retains many of the health benefits of the traditional drink:

1. Hydration: Its high water content makes it an excellent hydrating treat.

2. Digestive Aid: Ingredients like black salt and cumin aid digestion, making it a soothing dessert for the digestive system.

3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The raw mangoes are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.

4. Cooling Properties: The sorbet’s cooling effect is ideal for combating the summer heat and preventing heat-related ailments.

5. Antioxidant Benefits: The antioxidants present in raw mangoes help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Aam Panna Sorbet is a modern adaptation of a beloved traditional drink, merging Indian heritage with contemporary culinary trends. It is particularly popular during summer festivities and gatherings, where it serves as a refreshing dessert that connects the old with the new. 

It is a perfect dessert for those looking to experience the authentic taste of India in a cool, refreshing format. Whether you are hosting a summer party, looking for a unique dessert option, or simply want to enjoy a healthy, flavourful treat, Aam Panna Sorbet is an excellent choice that brings together taste, tradition, and health in a single scoop.

Serving Suggestions

Aam Panna Sorbet is best served frozen, scooped into bowls or cones, and garnished with fresh mint leaves or a light sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. It can be paired with other summer fruits, light pastries, or enjoyed on its own as a palate-cleansing dessert. Some prefer to drizzle a bit of honey or add a splash of lime juice for an extra burst of flavour.

Ingredients:

150gm Raw Mangoes, chopped

15-18 spearmint leaves (pudina)

36g powdered sugar

1/4 tsp roasted cumin seed powder (jeera powder)

1/4 tsp black salt (kala namak)

265ml Water, Chilled

Optional ingredients like black pepper, cardamom, and fennel seeds can be included to add complexity to the flavour profile.

Method:

• Start by peeling and chopping Raw mangoes. This weight is measured after removing the seed. 
• Slice the mangoes into halves, remove the seed, and then slice them further.

• Next, boil some water in a pan. Once it’s boiling, add the mango slices and cook until they are soft. You can check if they're done by inserting a knife; it should cut through easily.

• Once the mango slices are soft, transfer them to a bowl and let them cool to room temperature. Then, add rest of the ingredients except Water.

• Blend everything into a fine paste.

• Now, add chilled water and mix well. Taste and adjust the sugar and salt if needed. Then, place the mixture in the freezer for 1 hour to let it freeze slightly.

• After an hour, take it out and blend again with a stick blender to break any ice crystals. 
• Repeat the freezing and blending process 2-3 more times, ensuring you break any ice crystals each time. This step is crucial to achieve a smooth sorbet texture instead of an icy one.

• Finally, pour the half-frozen sorbet into a tin or any utensil you’ll use to freeze it, and freeze it overnight.

• Our sorbet is now properly frozen and ready to serve.