Call it Indian kombucha or traditional probiotic, kanji fits the bill every time. And the taste buds. A fermented drink made from black carrots, kanji is a tangy, natural probiotic that’s great for the gut. Spiced with mustard seeds, salt, and red chilli powder and often mixed with beets, kanji requires 3-5 days under the sunlight (or any warm place) for fermentation. But once prepared, it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
Wash the carrots and beetroot. Now peel and chop them into thick and long strips. Note: You can use any type of carrot if the traditional black carrots are not available. Also, coarsely ground the mustard seeds.
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Step 2: Boil the water
In a large pan, add about 8-10 cups of water and boil. Once the water boils, cover the pan and let it cool down. Always use boiled water to make kanji.
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Step 3: Mix the ingredients
Take thoroughly cleaned and dried ceramic or glass jars. Add water, carrots, beets, ground mustard seeds, salt, and red chilli powder. Mix the ingredients well with a clean, dry spoon. Do not use steel containers, as they can react with the acids released during fermentation.
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Step 4: Cover for fermentation
Once all the ingredients have been mixed, cover the jar with a lid or muslin cloth. Now, place the sealed jar under the sun for 3 to 5 days. Shake the jar every day. After two days, do a small taste test — if it’s sour, then kanji is ready.
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Step 5: Serve and store
Kanji can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge. You can serve it with ice and top it with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it before meals or with evening snacks.