Click here to view Amlana recipe | Rajasthani amlana drink |  imli ka amlana | Indian drink recipe | with 17 amazing images. 

amlana recipe | Rajasthani amlana drink |  is a perfect drink to serve a special guest, or to commemorate a special occasion at home. Learn how to make imli ka amlana.

Amlana is a delicious Rajasthani drink made with tamarind pulp, perked up with spices like pepper and cardamom. The addition of black salt imparts a wonderful flavour, which is further enhanced by the minty garnish. 

To make amlana, combine the tamarind and 1 cup of water in a deep bowl and mix well. Cover with a lid and keep aside for 2 hours. Transfer the tamarind-water mixture in a mixer and blend till smooth. Squeeze and strain the pulp in a deep bowl using a muslin cloth. Add the powdered sugar, pepper powder, cardamom powder, black salt, salt and 3 cups of water and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Pour equal quantities of the drink into 4 individual glasses and serve chilled garnished with mint leaves.

From its origins in north-west India, the key to this quick but tasty Rajasthani amlana drink is the right ingredients in the right proportions. Chill this drink really well before serving for best flavour!

This Indian drink recipe is a great choice on a hot summer day. This cardamom flavoured drink is one wonderful, colourful treat which is pleasing to the eye due to its hue. The garnish of chopped mint further gives a refreshing taste. Some people also love to garnish with soaked boondi. You can try it too!

Tips for amlana. 1. If you don’t have powdered sugar, grind the table sugar in a mixer and sieve it before use. 2. This drink is best had within a few hours, as it might turn more sour with time.

Is Amlana healthy?

Not healthy as 1/2 cup of sugar is used in the recipe.

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

Imli (Tamarind) : Tamarind is good for heart due to the fibre present which has a cholesterol lowering effect. It is also good for diabetics. But too much tamarind is bad for health. 

Benefits of Black Pepper ( kali mirch) : Black pepper has been identified to stimulate the digestive juices and enzymes in the gut thus lending a helping hand in maintaining digestive health. The antibacterial nature of black pepper helps to relieve cold and cough, especially when black pepper is ground and mixed with honey and consumed. kali mirch may help in maintaining normal blood sugar levels as it improves insulin sensitivity. So diabetics and weight watchers with high blood sugar levels both can benefit from black pepper. Kalimich is known to boost metabolism and promote fat cell breakdown. Yes, the piperine in it may help you overcome obesity, weight loss. See detailed benefits of black pepper, kali mirch.

Benefits of Cardamom, Elaichi : Cardamom has essential oil which is known to be effective is killing bacteria. This antimicrobial power of cardamom helps in relieving some stomach problems like stomachache, cramps, flatulence etc. The sweet yet strong aroma of cardamom makes it perfect to control Halitosis (bad breath). The mineral manganese in cardamom may help in the lower blood sugar levels and good for diabetics. See detailed benefits of cardamom.

Black Salt: Since the sodium level in black salt is less as compared to table salt, it is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure or those on low salt diets. It is also known for comforting intestinal gas trouble. Black salt is considered as a cooling spice in Ayurveda, and thus helps treat heartburn. It is used as a laxative and digestive aid.

What's the problem?

Sugar : Sugar used in the recipe is also called white poison. It is a simple carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. On intake, sugar will cause inflammation of the body which will last for many hours. It will spike your blood sugar level and shut down the fat burning process. This also causes high blood sugar levels in your body. The development of prediabetes comes from uncontrolled eating sugar and refined food products for many years and the classic symptom is if you have excess belly fat. This leads to diabetes and further onwards to heart attack, high blood pressure, strokes, impotence and kidney damage. 

Note : 1 cup = 200 ml (standard cup available in the market). The weight in grams varies for each ingredient.

Can diabetics, heart patients and overweight individuals have Cream Of Tomato Soup, Indian Style?

No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. BUT you can make modifications to the recipe and still enjoy it. See below.

Can healthy individuals have Cream Of Tomato Soup, Indian Style?

No. 

Healthy Indian Drinks 

Healthy Indian drinks to choose from are tulsi tea recipe, masala chaas, low fat chaas recipe , unsweetened Indian chocolate almond milk with dates and neem juice. 

Neem Juice

How to burn 73 calories that come from one glass of Amlana?

Walking (6 kmph) = 22 mins
Running (11 kmph) = 7  mins
Cycling (30 kmph) =  10 mins
Swimming (2 kmph) = 13 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual