Tripura Mahua Flower Jaggery Traditional Tribal Ferment Sweet

Method

1. 1

   Soak dried mahua flowers in 2 cups warm water for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   They will soften and rehydrate.

3. 3

   Drain the soaking water (which will be slightly sweet — this can be kept and drunk as a light flavoured water).

4. 4

   Place the soaked mahua flowers in a pot with fresh 2 cups water.

5. 5

   Add grated jaggery. Bring to a boil stirring until jaggery dissolves.

6. 6

   Reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and deepens in flavour.

7. 7

   Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt. Stir.

8. 8

   The preparation can be served as a warm drink with the flowers left in, or strained for a clear sweet drink.

9. 9

   The flavour is distinctly floral, mildly sweet and slightly earthy — unlike any other flower preparation. Serve warm.