10429 Kokam Sharbat Wed Aug 16 09:47:00 -0700 2006 Tue Apr 22 12:01:57 -0700 2008 Indian Licensed http://www.chow.com/recipes/10429 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:01:57 GMT An Indian iced drink Drink this Indian iced beverage to combat the hottest days. Kokam, which resembles a small, dark purple plum, is the fruit of a tropical evergreen tree (Garcinia indica) that grows only in India.

The dried, very dark purple, flattened rind is rather sticky and has curled edges and a fruity, balsamic aroma with tannic notes. Its flavor is sharp, acidic, and salty, with refreshing dried-fruit sweetness.

Kokam is used in India as a souring agent like tamarind or amchur. Big glasses of kokam sharbat (a cold beverage) are drunk to counteract the blazing heat.

What to buy: Kokam is sold whole or in small leathery pieces. The deeper the color, the better the quality. Look for kokam at Indian markets and buy in small quantities, as the soft, pliable rinds dry out and lose their flavor.

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  • Soak dried kokam in hot water to cover until soft. Using a blender or food processor, puree with cumin seeds. Strain the puree, discarding the solids.
  • Boil water with sugar to make a syrup. Add the strained puree to the cooled syrup and mix well.
  • Add 1/4 cup of the mixture to a large glass of ice-cold water and mix well. Serve chilled with ice.
    • ]]>     http://www.chow.com Aliza Green 41 Drink 245 1/2 cup kokam

    ]]>     283 1 teaspoon toasted and ground cumin seeds

    ]]>     4 cups water

    ]]>     298 2 cups sugar

    ]]>     306 indian 579 spices 748 indian summer 765 outdoors 754 hammock 384 easy 738 yummy 393 exotic 745 ethnic 836 adventurous 1023 aliza green