Bael Juice Recipe
Bael Juice Recipe
Bael juice, made from the bael fruit (Aegle marmelos), is a refreshing and nutritious beverage popular in South Asia, particularly in India. Bael fruit is known for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and providing relief from heat. Here’s a simple recipe to make bael juice:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized ripe bael fruit
- 3-4 cups of water
- 2-3 tablespoons of jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of black salt (optional)
- A few ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bael Fruit:
- Wash the bael fruit thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Crack open the bael fruit using a heavy knife or by hitting it on a hard surface. The shell is quite hard, so be careful while doing this.
- Scoop out the pulp using a spoon and discard the seeds and fibers. The pulp should be soft and aromatic.
- Soak the Pulp:
- Place the pulp in a large bowl and add 3-4 cups of water.
- Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to soften the pulp and makes it easier to extract the juice.
- Mash and Strain:
- Using clean hands or a masher, mash the pulp thoroughly in the water until it dissolves and forms a smooth mixture.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve or a muslin cloth into another bowl to remove any remaining fibers and seeds. Press the pulp against the sieve to extract as much juice as possible.
- Sweeten the Juice:
- Add jaggery or sugar to the strained juice and stir until it dissolves completely. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Add a pinch of black salt if desired, which enhances the flavor and adds a slight tanginess.
- Chill and Serve:
- If you prefer your juice cold, add a few ice cubes to the mixture.
- Pour the bael juice into glasses and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Ensure the bael fruit is ripe for the best flavor and sweetness. A ripe bael fruit typically has a sweet aroma and a yellowish-brown color.
- You can also add a few drops of lemon juice for an extra tangy flavor.
- For a richer taste, you can mix the juice with a bit of milk or coconut milk.
Enjoy your refreshing and healthy bael juice!