TANKA TORANI

On the off chance that there is one dish that effectively gets carved in the sense of taste memory of anybody visiting the acclaimed Jagannath Mandir in Puri, it is Tanka Torani – a beverage best clarified as a jugalbandhi of the poignancy of a nimbu pani, sharpness of curry leaves, warmth of freshly roasted cumin and freshness of a kanji with a trace of chilli. Undeniably, it is a pleasure fest – enjoyed by both the residents and guests - that remains insatiable with just only one glass!

Tanka torani is a celebrated beverage of Odisha. It is a blend of water rice, curd, lemon juice, lemon leaves, green chillies, mint leaves and salt.....This will make tanka torani ready. Normally the rice offered to Lord Jagannath in Puri is used for preparation of tanka torani. However, we can attempt to plan it at our home similar to that taste, for our needs. It is anything but difficult to make and all ingredients are easily accessible in our kitchen. It is best for summer season drink and has various health advantages. Here is the recipe of Odisha famous TANKA TORANI.

INGREDIENTS:

• Cooked rice - 1 cup, along with rice water
• Curd - 1 cup
• Mango ginger - 1/2 inch
• Roasted cumin & red chilli powder - 1/2 teaspoon 
• Green chillies - 5 nos.
• Lemon - 2 nos.
• Lemon leaves - 4-5 nos.
• Coriander leaves - A handful
• Mint leaves - A handful
• Curry leaves - 2 springs
• Black salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - To taste

For tempering:

• Mustard oil - 2 tablespoons 
• Mustard seeds - 2 teaspoons 
• Curry leaves - 1 spring
• Asafoetida/ Hing powder - A pinch

PROCEDURE:

1. Prepare rice at home. After rice gets cooked, don't drain the water. 
2. Now add sufficient amount of cold water to it. Add 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Keep aside for 1-2 days for formentation.
3. Take the fermented rice water only in a bowl.
4. In a blending jar, put 1/2 cup rice along with little rice water, 1 green chilli, mango ginger, 1 lemon leaf, some mint leaves, some coriander leaves and grind it to make a smooth paste. 
5. Add the ground paste and whisked curd to the rice water and mix throughly.
6. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, black salt, salt, roasted cumin & red chilli powder , 4 slited green chillies, some lemon slices, rest of the lemon leaves, coriander leaves, mint leaves and curry leaves. Mix it well and keep aside.
7. Take some mustard oil in a pan. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and allow to crackle nicely. Add curry leaves, hing powder, stir it for few seconds.
8. Switch off the flame and add the tempering to thd rice water and mix well.
9. Odisha famous Tanka torani is ready to be served.

NOTE:

• Tanka torani is usually prepared with rice offered to Lord Jagannath. At home you can prepare with raw coocked rice.
• Tempring can be done with ghee, cumin seeds and dry red chillis.
• Tempring is optional to enhance the taste. It can be skipped.

If you have tried the recipe or liked the tips, tell us about your experience! Do you have any suggestion to improve it?