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Around Holi in North India people, young and old, drink Kanji, a wine coloured liquid that is sour and yet appetising.
Kala Gajar Kanji is a fermented drink made with black carrots, mustard powder and water, and is both nutritious, flavoursome and a healthy probiotic.
The only closest relative of this drink is the Turkish Salgam made from turnips.
While we are all familiar with like thandai and lassi that are commonly prepared for the Holi Festivities in North India, Kali Gajar Ki Kanji is a lesser-known. Then you can also add urid dal dumplings better known as vadas or wadas in the Kanji and call it Kanji Wada. Check the recipe here.
That lets the cat out of the bag and yes I am writing about this Kala Gajar ki Kanji as at FoodieMondayBlogHop we are celebrating #HoliOnMyPlate!
When we were on our Delhi tour for BM#75 we spent an entire day in Chandni Chowk, walking, gawking and eating!!! I managed to do some shopping too(not just carrots mind you)! Shhh, that is a secret! Vaishali and Preethi our local hosts and guides were kind enough to share the recipe of making this delicious Kanji. This is, in fact, Vaishali’s recipe and Srivalli picture of black carrots. This is the only one the group has.
If you have access to black carrots then include them in your diet as it is believed to benefit those suffering from diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s. You can also eat these carrots raw as a salad not just as a kanji.
Before we start making the kanji let us check up on the ingredients
Kala Gajar: The most important ingredient is kali gajjar, black carrots. Black carrots are dark coloured as their beta-carotene is high. They are also rich in potassium, Vitamin K, and antioxidants and dietary fibres that aid in digestion. Like me, you cannot get Kala Gajar do not despair use regular carrots and beetroot.
Mustard powder, red chili powder, rock salt, asafoetida, and water: these are easily available in the Indian pantry.
Sunlight: this delectable drink develops in 4-5 days in the sunlight so plan in advance if you want to serve it for Holi then make it a week ahead.
#Ingredients:
- 1 big black carrot
- 2 tbsp mustard powder
- Pinch whole cumin seed
- 5 litres water
- Salt to taste
#Method
- Peel the carrot and slice them.
- Put them in a sterilized jar.
- Add salt and mustard powder and shake.
- Add water, stir and place it in a sunny area.
- Shake the jar twice a day.
- The kaanji will be ready in 4-5 days.
Black Carrots Fermented Drink
Equipment
- Bottle
- Chopping Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 big black carrot
- 2 tbsp mustard powder
- Pinch whole cumin seed
- 5 litres water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel the carrot and slice them.
- Put them in a sterilized jar.
- Add salt and mustard powder and shake.
- Add water, stir and place it in a sunny area.
- Shake the jar twice a day.
- The kaanji will be ready in 4-5 days.
Notes
#Special Tip:
In case you cannot get black carrots or Kali Gajar use 5 small carrots and 2 small beetroots.
One last word before I let you enjoy Holi you can serve this Kali Gajar ki Kanji even to toddlers it is non-alcoholic.
Serve it at kitty parties, anniversaries and get-togethers.
Happy Holi!
Other Drinks for Holi:
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Azlin Bloor says
This looks like an amazing drink to have ready at all times! Wishing you a Happy Holi!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
The Girl Next Door says
I absolutely love kanji! I’m yet to make my own at home, though. Your kanji looks delicious and so very inviting. Do you get black carrots in Goa? Can you make this using regular carrots or any other vegetable?
ArchanaPotdar says
Priya I have mentioned in my post that you can use regular carrots and beetroots.
Sujata Roy says
Kanji looks so delicious. Never tried to make kanji but tasted once. This non alcoholic drink must be healthy as well as refreshing. Loved the colour.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Preethicuisine says
Heard a lot about Kanji but never tried. This kali gajar ki Kanji. Looks so tempting. Beautiful colour too. Interesting and easy recipe.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks.
Renu says
My mom makes this always during summers, but with red carrots as we do not have access to black ones. I loved your simple and quick recipe, if I can source it.
ArchanaPotdar says
Renu try with regular carrots and beetroot.
Mayuri Patel says
I’ve learnt a new recipe, never knew that black carrots were used to prepare a healthy probiotic drink. I’ve not had the opportunity to use black carrots, but would love to try out this kanji recipe when I get some.
ArchanaPotdar says
You may get them in Canada, Mayuri.
Poonam Bachhav says
Have heard of this kanji but never tasted it. Making my own batch is on my to do list and now that I have your easy recipe, I will give it a try soon.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Poonam.
Sandhya Nadkarni says
What a healthy and unique drink! Love that color, Archana!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Shailender Sharma says
Quite an inviting recipe. Simplicity at its peak and recipe is done in no time. Lovely share.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Lata Lala says
I have always loved the kali gajar ki kanji as we don’t get those black carrots here. We Sindhi’s make almost same kanji with red carrots.
Lovely share.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Uma Srinivas says
First time hearing about this… So innovative and refreshing drink. I hope I can try this recipe soon…
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Uma.
Pavani says
This is a totally new dish for me. Love the color, health benefits and the recipe for this kali gajar ki kanji. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
ArchanaPotdar says
You are welcome Pavani!
Jayashree T.Rao says
I have heard and read so many times about Kanji, I am yet to prepare and taste it. Simple and exquisite.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Sapana says
We used to make this kaanji with some beets back in India. Here I don’t find black carrots so make it with red ones and beets. Looks so refreshing and healthy.
ArchanaPotdar says
Yes Sapana please do try.
Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey says
Kali gajar same as Purple carrots? this healthy and delicious drink sounds so good, reminds me of my Nanima who used to make.
ArchanaPotdar says
No Jagruti there is a huge colour difference.
Priya Srinivasan says
oh wow, never knew the recipe is so simple! i have heard a lot about these fermented goodness! Love that amazing color, i m yet to see a black carrot here, as u have mentioned i might as well try it with regular carrots! amazing share arch!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Priya.
Padma Veeranki says
This is very new dish to me…gorgeous colour and very refreshing drink…Hope I can try sometime..Thanks for sharing!!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you Padma.
sasmita says
Kali gajar ki Kanji looks so delicious di ! I have heard about this but never tried yet. Loved the color of this drink. So refreshing !
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.