Solkadhi is a refreshing, tangy drink from the Konkan coast of India. Owing to its list of healthy ingredients, the drink provides digestive and cooling benefits. The Solkadhi recipe predominantly consists of kokum and coconut milk, but different variations of the drink are also present, some of which are mentioned below.
Classic Solkadi
This is the classic Solkadhi recipe made from regular ingredients available at any grocery app or local store. Although the kadhi is meant to be served with rice, it is also celebrated as a standalone drink owing to its cooling properties.
Ingredients
- Dried kokum petals
- Fresh or canned coconut milk
- Green chillies
- Garlic cloves
- Cumin seeds
- Salt
Preparation
Soak the kokum leaves in water for 30 minutes and then extract the juice. Add coconut milk to the juice and mix it well. Add crushed garlic, green chillies, roasted cumin powder and salt for taste. You can also add charred red chillies for garnishing. Stir well and serve it chilled.
Buttermilk Solkadhi
Want to try Solkadhi but don’t like coconut milk? Try this variation instead. If you aren’t fond of coconut milk, you can replace it with buttermilk or chaas. Buttermilk also adds tartness and creaminess to this drink. The best part? It is gluten-free and easily available at retail stores and on grocery apps for quick deliveries.
Ingredients
- Kokum
- Buttermilk
- Water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Roasted Cumin Powder
- Chopped chillies
- Chopped coriander leaves
Preparation
Soak the kokum for half an hour and extract the juice using water. Mix the juice with homemade or store-bought buttermilk. Add the remaining spices, crushed or whole garlic cloves and salt to the base and mix well. Pour the drink into a glass and garnish it with the chopped coriander. Leave it to cool for 2 to 4 hours, and then serve it cold.
If you have kids who will consume the curry, you can soak the chillies in the mixture for an hour and then remove them before chilling the drink. This prevents the curry from becoming too spicy.
Futi Kadhi - Goan Solkadhi
Another popular variant of the Solkadhi recipe is the Goan Futi Kadi. Prepared without coconut milk, it is a flavourful delight that is served with non-vegetarian thalis, providing exceptional digestive and cooling benefits.
Ingredients
- Kokum
- Chilled water
- Hing or Asafoetida
- Sugar
- Salt
- Chopped Chillies
- Chopped garlic
- Coriander
- Crushed ice
Preparation
Soak kokum in warm water. Squeeze and strain out the kokum juice and throw away the pulp. Add sugar, hing and salt. You can get all these items at your nearest local store or order them via grocery apps.
In the base, add crushed garlic, coriander and chillies. Taste and adjust as needed, and serve it cold with crushed ice.
Conclusion
Solkadhi is rightfully one of the most celebrated dishes in our country. The variations to the original Solkadhi recipe further prove how much people enjoy its integration in their meals and cultures.
Exploring these Solkadhi variations can add a refreshing touch to your meals. With ingredients readily available on grocery apps, experimenting with flavours has never been more convenient.