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Millets For Summer: 8 Healthy And Refreshing Drinks Prepared With The ‘Superfood’

Loaded with various essential nutrients like protein, micronutrients and phytochemicals, millets are known to have cooling properties too. Here are eight refreshing beverages you can prepare with these tiny superfoods.

TN Lifestyle Desk

Updated Apr 17, 2024, 19:03 IST

Millets For Summer 8 Healthy And Refreshing Drinks Prepared With The Superfood

We often crave cool and refreshing beverages during summer but sipping a lot of sodas and other sweet energy drinks can have a negative impact on your health. Therefore, it is important to replace them with nutritious delights like coconut water, fresh fruit juices, jaljeera and sattu sharbat.

But did you know millets like jowar, ragi, bajra and kukti can be an amazing coolant for this season too? Packed with vital nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre and amino acids, these tiny superfoods are extremely beneficial for retaining the crucial electrolytes which are lost with rise in the temperature during summer. Here are eight healthy millet drinks that can cool you down in this season.

Also Read: 6 Refreshing Cocktails To Beat The Summer Heat

Mango Ragi Smoothie

It is a well-known fact that ragi or finger millet is an excellent coolant for the body during summer. But what if a punch of sweet and juicy mango pulp and milk is added to it? This healthy and tasty combination can give you a daily dose of calcium, vitamin C and many other nutrients and also boost your immunity.

Rajgira Smoothie

Also known as amaranth, this 8000-year-old millet is an amazing source of protein for vegetarians. So, why not transform it into a delicious and filling drink for summer afternoons? Made with an addition of raisins, cashews, dates and milk, this drink is sugar-free. But if you like your smoothie to be a little sweet, add a few tablespoons of raw honey.

Kambangkool

Kambangkool or kambu koozh is a refreshing fermented porridge which is perfect to relish in summer mornings and afternoons. Made with pearl millet, green chilli, sour curd, cumin seeds, chilli powder (optional) and ginger, it has an ideal amount of protein and fibre. You can also incorporate shallots or finely chopped onions into the recipe for an additional crunch.

Foxtail Millet Juice

Loaded with vitamin B, foxtail millet juice is an amazing drink to pair with your breakfast. Made by combining soaked millet, grated coconut, ginger paste (or powder), cloves and a few dates, this juice is easy to prepare along with being healthy. A few teaspoons of sugar can also be added to the drink if you want the juice to be a little sweeter.

Kutki Drink

Kutki drink is a healthy and delicious beverage which is widely enjoyed in India during summer. Prepared with very few ingredients like foxtail millet, honey and lemon juice, it has a mild nutty flavour and can be added to your breakfast or post-workout meal. To give it an extra flavour, add spices like ginger and cardamom and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Coconut Zomkom

Originating in West Africa, coconut zomkom is an amazing summer drink for people with spicy taste buds. Made with finger millet, black pepper, chillies, ginger and cloves, it can be enjoyed at any time of the day. You can also incorporate milk into the recipe. Add a few ice cubes to the drink and serve immediately.

Ragi Ambali

Ragi ambali is a healthy and refreshing beverage which has its roots attached to southern part of India. Made with finger millet flour, buttermilk, curry leaves and spices, it has a salty and tart taste. Easy to prepare, you can also add onions and your favourite vegetables to the recipe to make the drink healthier. Renowned for its cooling properties, ragi ambali is a staple in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Finger Millet Lemonade

If you are bored of your regular lemonade recipe then add a healthy twist of finger millet to the drink. Made along with honey and lemon juice, this summer beverage is gluten-free and ideal for sipping at any time of the day. Packed with calcium and fibre, this refreshing and tangy drink can provide a boost of energy in this season.

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