Kadha Recipe

Ever had one of those days where you just need a hug in a mug? Let me introduce you to my go-to elixir, a soothing kadha packed with vibrant spices and healing warmth—perfect for when I’m feeling a bit under the weather or just craving some serenity.

I love making kadha, a traditional herbal infusion cherished for its potential health benefits. Combining ingredients like fresh ginger, cinnamon, and tulsi, this drink may enhance immunity and aid digestion.

I often enjoy it with a touch of honey and a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.

Kadha Recipe Ingredients

• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion, boosts immunity.
• Cloves: Antioxidant-rich, supports oral health, adds warmth and aroma.
• Cinnamon: Regulates blood sugar, aromatic, provides warmth and spice.
• Black Peppercorns: Enhances absorption, boosts metabolism, adds heat.
• Tulsi Leaves: Rich in antioxidants, fights stress, supports respiratory health.
• Fennel Seeds: Aids digestion, reduces bloating, adds subtle sweetness.
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, brightens color.
• Honey/Jaggery: Natural sweeteners, provides energy, balances flavors.

Kadha Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups of water
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 5-6 fresh tulsi (holy basil) leaves
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder (optional)
• Honey or jaggery to taste (optional)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

How to Make this Kadha Recipe

1. Begin by pouring 2 cups of water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.

2. Add the grated ginger to the boiling water, allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes to release its flavor.

3. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, and tulsi leaves to the saucepan.

4. Reduce the heat to a low setting, cover the saucepan, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract the essence from all the spices and herbs.

5. If desired, add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to the mixture for additional health benefits and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

6. Turn off the heat and let the kadha cool slightly before straining it into cups, using a fine mesh sieve to remove the solid ingredients.

7. Taste the strained kadha and add honey or jaggery to your preference for sweetness, stirring well to dissolve.

8. If you wish, add the juice of half a lemon for a tangy touch, and stir to combine.

9. Pour the prepared kadha into serving cups.

10. Enjoy the warm kadha immediately for the best soothing effects, sipping slowly to savor its aromatic blend.

Kadha Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Grater
3. Measuring cups
4. Teaspoon
5. Tablespoon
6. Stirring spoon
7. Lid for saucepan
8. Fine mesh sieve
9. Serving cups

FAQ

• What is Kadha? Kadha is a traditional Indian herbal decoction believed to boost immunity and soothe common ailments like coughs and colds.
• Can I use dried tulsi leaves instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use dried tulsi leaves if fresh leaves are not available. Use about half the amount required for fresh leaves.
• Is it necessary to add honey or jaggery? Adding honey or jaggery is optional. It can help sweeten the kadha if you prefer a less bitter taste.
• Can I make a larger batch of kadha and store it? It’s best to consume kadha fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and reheat before drinking.
• What are the health benefits of kadha? Kadha is known for its potential immunity-boosting properties, aiding digestion, and relieving cold symptoms.
• Can I skip any ingredients? While the recipe is flexible, each ingredient contributes to the efficacy and flavor. However, you can adjust according to availability and preference.

Kadha Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Fresh ginger can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of ginger powder.
• Cloves can be replaced with half a teaspoon of clove powder.
• Use 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon if you don’t have a cinnamon stick.
• If fresh tulsi leaves are unavailable, try using dried basil leaves or 3-4 mint leaves for a different flavor.
• If fennel seeds are not on hand, try using anise seeds or leave them out altogether.

Pro Tips

1. Roast Spices First Lightly roast the cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds in a dry pan over low heat for a minute before adding them to the water. This can enhance their flavors and aroma.

2. Use Fresh Ginger Opt for fresh ginger rather than powdered for a more vibrant and fresher taste. You can slightly crush the ginger piece with the side of a knife before grating to release more juice and flavor.

3. Prolonged Infusion After turning off the heat, let the kadha sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes before straining. This allows the flavors to fully infuse into the water for a richer taste.

4. Custom Sweetener For an interesting twist, consider using a combination of honey and jaggery. The different types of sweetness can add a unique depth to the kadha’s flavor profile.

5. Add Lemon at the Right Time To preserve the vitamin C content and maintain the fresh taste of the lemon, add the juice right before serving, ensuring the kadha isn’t too hot to avoid breaking down the vitamin C.