Refreshing Ginger-Cumin Digestive Drink
Ingredients:
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1 cup water (about 250 ml)
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1-inch piece fresh ginger, washed
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Freshly squeezed juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
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¼ – ½ teaspoon roasted cumin (jeera) powder, to taste
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(Optional): A pinch of salt or a drizzle of honey for balance
Instructions:
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Prepare Ginger: Peel the ginger if desired (the skin is edible, especially when blended). Slice or roughly chop it.
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Blend: Place the ginger pieces and water in a blender. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is smooth and the ginger is fully broken down.
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Strain (Optional): For a smoother drink, strain the ginger-water mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a glass or jar. Press on the pulp to extract all the liquid. Skipping this step gives a more fibrous, potent drink.
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Finish: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and roasted cumin powder. Add a pinch of salt or honey if using. Mix well.
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Serve: Enjoy immediately, preferably at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Why This Drink is Great:
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Ginger: Aids digestion, reduces nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Cumin (Jeera): A classic digestive aid in many cuisines, known to relieve bloating and improve gut health.
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Lemon: Adds vitamin C and a bright, balancing flavor.
A Chef’s Tip:
For a more intense flavor and to save time, you can make a ginger base in advance. Blend a larger piece of ginger with 1-2 cups of water, strain, and store the liquid in a jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready, simply mix a few tablespoons of the ginger base with fresh water, lemon, and cumin.