Panangarkandu Paal | Panakarkandu Paal Recipe

Panankarkandu Paal is a simple and soothing milk drink made by simmering milk with palm candy and mild spices. It is usually prepared to heal cold or cough. The drink is warm, slightly sweet and gently spiced. It hardly takes 10 minutes to prepare but gives very comforting feel.

The taste is mild and natural because palm candy has its own unique sweetness. Pepper gives slight heat in throat and cardamom adds soft aroma. It is different from regular sugar milk because flavor is more earthy and deep. You can make this mostly at night time during rainy days or when weather is changing.

About Panangkarkandu Paal

Panankarkandu Paal is a traditional home remedy drink in many South Indian homes. Palm sugar candy, also called panankarkandu, is known for its medicinal properties. It is often used instead of white sugar as it is considered more natural. When simmered with milk it dissolves slowly and gives nice light brown shade.

The texture of this milk is smooth and slightly rich, since it is simmered for few minutes, flavors blend well together. Pepper powder just gives some warmth which helps in soothing throat irritation. Cardamom in this recipe adds flavor, aroma and balances the spice.

You can also add pinch of turmeric if you like. Some people increase pepper for stronger effect during heavy cold. But I prefer keeping it simple so that palm candy flavor stands out nicely. Too many ingredients may hide its original taste. It gives instant comfort and makes you feel relaxed.

I usually prepare this fresh and serve immediately while still hot. Even kids drink it without much complaint because sweetness is mild. Panangarkandu Paal is healthy and a home remedy for cough and cold.

Panangarkandu Paal Ingredients

• Milk – I used for creamy base. It give richness and smooth texture, you can use full fat milk for more richness if you like.
• Palm sugar candy / Panangarkandu – I added for natural sweetness and medicinal value, you can use powdered form also as it dissolve more easily.
• Pepper powder – I used little pepper powder for warmth and soothing effect for throat. You can add more if you want little strong pepper taste.
• Cardamom powder – I added small amount for mild aroma and flavor. It balances the spice and gives nice flavour to the milk.

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How to make Panakarkandu Paal Step by Step

1.Take milk in a sauce pan, boil for 3-5 minutes.

2.Add palm sugar candy, then add cardamom powder and pepper powder.

3.Simmer for 5 minutes in low flame.

4.Switch off, strain and serve hot

Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Simmer – I usually keep flame low so milk does not over boil. Slow simmer helps palm candy dissolve properly.
• Crush palm candy – I crush little before adding, If pieces are big. It may take little time to dissolve fully.
• Adjust pepper – I add pepper little by little. Too much may make it very spicy for kids.
• Serve hot always – This drink tastes best when served hot. If cooled, flavor may reduce slightly.
• Do not over boil – Simmer just for few minutes. Over boiling may change taste of milk.

Serving and Storage

Serve Panangarkandu Paal hot in a glass or cup immediately after straining. This goes well before bedtime especially during cough or cold. It is better to consume fresh and not store for long. If needed you can reheat slightly but fresh taste is always better.

FAQS

1.Can I add turmeric to this milk?

Yes you can add small pinch of turmeric. It gives extra warmth and health benefit.

2.Can I use regular sugar instead of palm candy?

You can use regular sugar but taste will not be same. Palm candy gives unique earthy sweetness.

3.Is it safe for kids?

Yes it is safe in small quantity. Adjust pepper according to age of child.

4.How long should I simmer the milk?

Simmer for around five minutes in low flame. Just until palm candy dissolves properly.

5.Can I make it in advance?

It is better to prepare fresh and drink hot. 

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