Rose Water – a touch of freshness

Rose Water is widely used in Indian cooking. I read somewhere that it is prepared by steeping Rose petals in Water. Rose Water has many medicinal, cosmetic and therapeutic uses. However, since Life Without Alu? is a food blog, we will be concentrating on the culinary uses of Rose Water in this article. 

I think it’s amazing how we associate the floral fragrances with perfume and cosmetics. Believe me they do bring their own exciting flavor and fragrance when added in any dish. I am sure you have used Vanilla Extract while baking. Rose Water also adds a touch of beautiful aroma in the dishes. Be it Lassi, Kabab or Biryani I just love sprinkling a few drops for that divine fragrance. 

Now Rose Water is quite a conflicted ingredient. You will either love it or hate it. So, before using it in any dish try adding it in a beverage (like Lassi). That way you will be able to experience its fragrant, floral flavor without putting in much effort.

Before buying Rose Water make sure to check the expiration date. Also, see that it is pure Rose Water and not some diluted or synthetic stuff. Believe me good stuff makes a lot of difference. You will feel the subtle floral fragrance lifting your senses, which is not possible with artificial cheap stuff. 

While using make sure not to exceed the amount given in the recipe. Rose Water is very floral and aromatic and like Vanilla extract should be used carefully.

I always keep a small bottle of Rose Water in my fridge, even though I may not use it that often. I read somewhere that you can use it in champagne cocktails and non alcoholic punches/ summer spritzers for a touch of flavor. Mediterranean cuisine is also famous for dishes prepared with Rose Water. 

In India we have a summer drink called Rooh Afza (Rooh meaning Soul and Afza meaning Refresher). It is a non-alcoholic concentrated squash prepared with different varieties of herbs, fruits and flowers. It is dark pink in color and Rose flavored. It tastes sweet and fragrant and is served as a summer drink in Northern India. Growing up, this used to be my favorite drink after returning home from school. I think Rose has a very calming effect. It instantly soothes and comforts your senses and you immediately feel relaxed. Especially if you have faced the wrath and humidity of summer sun you will absolutely like a Rose flavored beverage.

So, next time, your recipe asks for Rose Water, don’t skip it. Get a small bottle and try it. I am sure you will fall in love with this beautiful fragrance. 

Recommended Reading:

• Loknath wali Meethi Lassi (Sweet Yogurt based drink)
• Awadhi Mutton Biryani
• Debarshi’s Chicken Tikka Biryani
• Thandai (Refreshing Indian Drink)

Loknath wali Meethi Lassi (Sweet Yogurt based drink)

Photo and Recipe Courtesy: Dr. Debarshi Chatterji

I think amidst the mock tails and varieties of smoothies and iced coffees, Lassi is a welcome respite. You will be surprised to know that all that delicious flavor comes at a very little effort and money. It is indeed healthier than the fancy sugar loaded drinks and creates a very homely even rustic impression. Lassi is assured to make everyone happy with its creamy yummy flavor. If you are organizing a little summer party for your friends, there can be nothing better than a refreshing glass of lassi. Plus, it also goes very well with any hot and spicy dishes because it instantly soothes your mouth. 

(Photo features: Lassi with Debarshi’s Amuse Bouche)

As I wrote in my article ‘Lassi and Namkeens of Loknath’, lassi is a drink prepared with yogurt, sugar and rose water. It is sometimes also served as a savory drink or flavored with fruits and nuts and speaking of nuts, I am absolutely nuts for this drink. I love yogurt! and this is ‘The Perfect Summer Drink’ for me. As soon as you lift the glass, a hint of rose water fills up your senses and the very first sip is so relaxing and cool that it just makes you forget all the heat and sun. It works wonders believe me.

I think Lassi tastes absolutely divine and silky on the tongue. Its consistency is thick somewhere between milk and a milkshake. I am sure there are hundreds of version of this delicious beverage but somehow I always love the Lassi served in the Loknath Gali of my hometown (Allahabad) where it is served in a clay cup and topped with a layer of heavy cream (Rabri). Lassi is best enjoyed with snacks (like Samosas and Chaat) or after a heavy lunch (Chole Bhature or yummy Parathas). Because of its easy preparation it is widely sold in almost all the restaurants in Northern India. 

Lassi is also a great way to use up any leftover yogurt. If you don’t have any rose water, try adding some fruit in it for flavor. Debarshi prepared strawberry lassi for our recent get together party and it tasted really good. A cool glass of lassi on a hot summer afternoon is an absolute bliss and if you have also faced the wrath of sun on a humid day you will know what I am talking about.

My mom prefers to make yogurt at home because it is economical and fresher than the store bought ones however, I prefer to get a fresh yogurt container from a good grocery shop (saves time) and you can of course opt any method you seem fit. 

So try this creamy sweet drink today and let me know how it turns out. 

Ingredients:

• Plain Yogurt - 1 ¾ cups 
• Ice - 6 cubes, crushed 
• Ice Water - 1 ½ cups 
• White Sugar - 2 teaspoons 
• Salt - 1 pinch 
• Rose Water – a splash

For garnish (optional):

• Whipped Cream – 1 cup
• Pomegranate Seeds – 3-4 tablespoons
• Mint Leaves – a handful, washed

Directions:

You don’t need a stand mixer or hand mixer for this. Lassi can be easily prepared by using a big whisk. It wont even take a lot of time to blend everything together. However, if you are preparing quite a few glasses a gadget (like a stand mixer or hand mixer) will definitely help.

• Whisk the Yogurt and Ice Water together. 
• After 2-3 minutes, add the Sugar and Salt. 
• Mix the crushed Ice and Rose Water. 
• Continue whisking till the mixture looks frothy and creamy. 
• Pour the Lassi in tall glasses and enjoy.

To garnish:

• Pipe the whipped cream on the cool Lassi and sprinkle some Pomegranate Seeds over it. Stick a Mint Leaf in the cream and voila!

Tips:

• Refrigerate and enjoy the cool Lassi for up to 24 hours.
• Substitute Sugar with Truvia or Splenda and enjoy this delicious drink with low calories.

Recommend Reading:

• Lassi and Namkeens of Loknath
• Allahabadi Fruit Cream
• Allahabad - The City of Good Food
• Debarshi’s Alu ka Paratha (Fried Bread stuffed with Potatoes)
• Methi Saag Paratha (Fenugreek leaves fried Flat Breads)
• Un-Sweet Tea
• Pineapple and Banana Smoothie
• Avocado Smoothie
• Avocado Strawberry Smoothie
• Debarshi’s Amuse Bouche
• Pyaz Ke Pakore (Onion Fritters)
• Samosa (Spicy Potato stuffed Pastries)
• Meethi Chutney Matar Phulki
• Alu Tikiya ki Chaat (Crispy Fried Potato Patties with Dried Peas, Yogurt, Chutney and Spices)
• Methi Pakora (Gram flour and Fenugreek leaves Fritters)
• Palak ke Pakore (Gram flour and Spinach Fritters)
• Alu Cutlet (Crispy Shallow Fried Potato Patties) 
• Mathri (Savory Indian Cookies)
• Masala Kachori (Indian Puffed Bread with Spices)
• Chole Bhature (Chickpea curry with fried bread)
• Make Homemade Butter from Spoiled Cream
• Rose Water – a touch of freshness
• Rabri (Clotted Cream in Condensed Milk)
• Mamma’s Dahi Bara (Lentil Fritters with creamy Yogurt, Chutney and Spices)
• Besan Mathri (Deep Fried Flaky Gram Flour Cookies)