Kali gajar ki kanji is a healthy probiotic fermented drink. Continue reading to learn how to make it if you do not have access to black carrots.
Fermented foods are traditionally consumed in India regularly. A few examples are curds, pickles, idli, and dosa.
In North India, from the beginning of winter to early spring, you can expect jars of a dark liquid on the balcony. These jars hold a delicious fermented Indian kombucha, the kali gajar kanji.
An acquired taste kanji is made by fermenting black carrots and spices in the sun. If you cannot access black carrots, use regular carrots( even the orange ones are fine) and beetroot.
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Kali Gajar Ki Kanji Recipe and me
The beautiful colour of the drink draws you to this sour drink. You need to develop a taste for this drink.
I first saw black carrots during the Delhi tour for BM#75. We spent an entire day in Chandni Chowk, walking, gawking and eating!!! Vaishali and Preethi, our local hosts and guides, were kind enough to share the recipe for making this delicious Kanji. This is, in fact, Vaishali’s recipe and Srivalli's picture of black carrots. This is the only one the group has.
P. C. Srivalli
Now, since I cannot find black carrots, I need to find a way of making some Kanji with regular carrots.
Why MSK Gajar Ki Kanji recipe
Make my Kali Gajar Ki Kanji Recipe as
- Easy
- Healthy probiotic
- Delicious
- Rich in antioxidants
- There is no cooking involved
- I made the kaanji with both black carrots and regular carrots
Get started making Gajar ki Kanji
Ingredients for Gajar ki Kanji
These are the ingredients you will need. For quantities, please check the recipe card.
- Black Carrots
- Mustard powder
- Red chilli powder
- Rock salt
- Asafoetida
- Water
- Sunlight
Method for Gajar ki Kanji
- Peel the carrots and slice them.
- Add them to 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 in a cold place. Me, where winter is non-existent, it was fine the next day.
Substitutes for Gajar ki Kanji
- Black carrots: Use regular carrots and beetroots. If you cannot get black carrots or Kali Gajar, use 5 small carrots and 2 small beetroots. Peel and slice them.
- Mustard: Use lesser mustard or the red variety for a milder taste.
- Chillies: I will add some green chillies to my next winter batch.
Variations for Gajar ki Kanji
- For this recipe, I assume that you have used black carrots. In case you have regular carrots, add beets.
- Experiment and add veggies like turnips to the jar. The only closest relative of this drink is the Turkish Salgam made from turnips.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Sterilized bottle
- Bowls
How to serve Gajar ki Kanji
- Strain the solids out and serve.
- The carrots and beetroot in the kanji taste delicious as a pickle. Try it with sambhar rice or curd rice.
- You can serve this Kali Gajar ki Kanji even to toddlers it is non-alcoholic.
How to store Gajar ki Kanji
- As the kanji sits longer, it gets sour, so we try and finish it as soon as possible.
- I have stored the strained liquid in the fridge for 5 days. After that, the jar was empty.
I had black carrots for this recipe I posted some time ago for Foodie Monday bloghop. I am now updating it with SEO friendly writeups, the option of using regular carrots and, of course, pictures.
Protips for Gajar ki Kanji
- Use a clean, sterilised jar to make the kanji.
- You do not cook the kanji, so use boiled and cooled water to make kanji.
- If you see any fungus or the drink does not smell good, discard it.
- Use lesser mustard if using black mustard. (black mustard is more pungent.
- Experiment and add veggies like turnips to the jar. The only closest relative of this drink is the Turkish Salgam made from turnips.
- The carrots, beetroot in the kanji make an excellent pickle with an Indian meal.
Some probiotic foods
This is an old post that I am updating with newer pictures and a write-up as a part of the group Foodies_RedoingOld Post.
Featured Video:
Gajar ki Kanji Recipe
Equipment
- Bottle
- Chopping Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 big black carrot
- 2 tablespoon mustard powder
- Pinch cumin seeds
- 5 litres Water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel the 1 big black carrot and slice them.
- Put it in a sterilized jar.
- Add Salt and 2 tablespoon mustard powderPinch cumin seeds and shake.
- Add 5 litres 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
- Use a clean sterilised jar to make the kanji.
- You do not cook the kanji so use boiled and cooled water to make kanji.
- If you see any fungus or if the drink does not smell good discard it.
- Use lesser mustard if using black mustard. (black mustard is more pungent.
- Experiment add veggies like turnips to the jar. The only closest relative of this drink is the Turkish Salgam made from turnips.
- The carrots, beetroot in the kanji make a wonderful pickle with an Indian meal.
Nutritional Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Please check with your nutritionist for your dietary needs and restrictions. Ultimately you are responsible for your decisions.
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.