By Ranita Ray
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Betel quid, a post-meal mouth freshener in India, is made from paan or betel leaves. The leaf has also been used in cooking. Gourmands are now into paan shots. These easy shots are inspired by Indian meetha paan. You can make them at home. Here's the recipe.
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For 8 Shots 4 fresh betel leaves 1 meetha paan masala 2 tsp fennel seeds 2 tsp desiccated coconut 3 tbsp gulkand 3 scoops vanilla ice-cream 4-5 ice cubes 1/4 cup water 2 tsp sugar (optional)
Hand-tear paan leaves and add to a mixer. Pour everything but water into the mixer jar. Pulse for half a minute.
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As gulkand has sugar, taste it to see whether you need more. You can adjust the sweetness by adding sugar.
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Now run the paan liquid through a sieve, and collect it in a mug. It should be silky smooth in texture.
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Set out a plate with a bit of black salt powder. Smudge a lemon slice around the edge of the shot glass
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Immediately flip the glass onto a plate of salt to cover the rim. Carefully pour the drink into shot glasses and serve. Garnish with rose petals.
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