Dhanagra
Dhanagra is a traditional warm drink made with chuaras (dried dates), dry ginger, black pepper, almonds and ghee. It is warm, aromatic and deeply comforting. It is traditionally enjoyed after fasting and makes a nourishing way to ease back into eating.
Ingredients
- 2 liters water
- 10–15 pitted chuaras dried dates
- 2 pieces whole dry ginger saunth, about 2–3 inches each
- 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 2–3 cloves
- 1 handful soaked almonds peeled
Instructions
- In a deep cooking pot, add 2 liters of water.
- Add the pitted chuaras.
- Lightly crush the dry ginger and add it to the pot.
- Add the whole black peppercorns.
- Bring everything to a boil and then simmer until the water reduces to approximately half its original quantity.
- Add the sugar and continue boiling for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The drink will develop a beautiful brownish-red color and a rich aroma.
- In a small tempering pan, heat 1 teaspoon ghee and add the cloves. Let them crackle.
- Pour the clove-infused ghee into the simmering Dhanagra and mix well.
- Turn off the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Strain the hot Dhanagra into serving cups.
- Garnish generously with soaked, peeled almonds and serve warm.