Aam panna | refreshing mango drink

Aam panna is a delicious refreshing summer drink common in Northern and Western parts of India. It is made from a raw green mangoes, sugar and mint leaves. It is usually flavoured with cumin, and a little salt as well. You can also add some cardamom powder if you like. 

I'm sharing the recipe here for aam panna concentrate. The mango is cooked beforehand and then blended together with the remaining ingredients, its that's simple! The aam panna drink is then made by topping up 1 tbsp aam panna concentrate with water. The concentrate stays good in the fridge for a month or so! The sugar in the concentrate acts as a preservative which is why it will last for a long time refrigerated.

This aam panna is

• A great way to keep you cool in warm weather
  
  
• A refreshing drink throughout the day 
  
  
• Good for digestion 
  
  
• Source of vitamin C and iron

Ingredients 
1 large raw green mango 
Water, as required
1/4 - 1/3 cup sugar (or to taste)
Handful mint leaves
1/2 tsp cumin powder
Pinch salt
Pinch cardamom powder

Method 

• Place the mango in a large pressure cooker and add around 1 1/2 - 2 cups water. Seal and pressure cook on a medium heat for 7 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally and check if the mango is soft all the way through with a knife. If not, then pressure cooker for a few whistles more. 
  
  
• Once the mango is soft, dunk in cold water (as it'll be very hot). Peel the skin of the mango and remove the flesh. You can discard the skin and the stone.
   
• Add the mango pulp to a blender, along with 1tbsp water and all the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. You can sieve the concentrate if you like so it's completely smooth, but I don't find it necessary. 
  
  
• The aam panna concentrate is ready! To make the aam panna drink, add 1 tbsp aam panna concentrate in a tall large glass. Top up with water and mix well. You can add more or less concentrate according to your tastes. Add ice cubes if you like and serve!
  
  
• Store the aam panna concentrate in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for a month.