Jigardhanda | Jil Jil Jigardhanda | Badam Pisin In Rose Milk | Milk Drinks | Jigarthanda

Jigardhanda, is such a delightful drink available all throughout Tamil Nadu and is a specialty in Madurai. Am sure almost everyone from South India must have relished this drink atleast once in his or her life-time. There are various versions of this Jigardhanda but the easiest one that can be made at home is what I have discussed today. The main ingredient for this Jigardhanda is, badam pisin / almond gum, which looks like a small hard rock but when soaked in water transforms into a jelly like substance. It is natural, no  artificial flavors, moreover has many health benefits too. Am not much familiar about how they get this almond gum, but after browsing about it over the net I found that it is nothing else but the gum obtained from almond tree or almond barks. Don't underestimate this humble piece of tree gum, it has so many health benefits. It acts as a natural cooling agent, that reduces body temperature and helps gain some good calories. Oh how I wish I could have had some, as I had cold I had to restrict myself from this lovely drink, but still I had few sips. Once I get back to normal will make this in liters and have it for sure. Believe me its worth the praise.

Badam Pisin / Almond gum, when soaked in water just multiplies in size and fills the bowl. for example you can refer the above pic, I have soaked just a few rocks (2 spoons) in water and I got nearly 750 grams of jelly. So awed with the potential of this small humble rock, it just overflows as I pour water. The rock like gum absorbs water well and transforms into jelly when soaked overnight in water. Tastes like sweet-less jelly and when mixed with milk makes a delightful drink. So just check out this recipe and try it when you get Badam pisin / almond gum. 

Jigarthanda

INGREDIENTS 

Serves 1 big glass
Total Preparation Time - 15 to 20 minutes

1. Milk - 500 ml 
2. Badam pisin / Almond gum - 2 small rocks (I used a lot and used the amount I needed, the rest I stored it in the refrigerator for future use) 
3. Sugar - 4 spoons (or) as per taste 
4. Vanilla ice-cream - 1 scoop  
5. Rose essence - 2 to 3 drops 
6. Pink food color - A pinch (Avoid if the rose essence is already pink) 
7. Tutti Frutti - Few (Optional) 

PREPARATION METHOD 

• Soak badam pisin / almond gum overnight in a large bowl of water (add more water because it needs water to swell up well). The next day it will get soaked well in water and become like a coarse jelly. 

• Now boil milk in a sauce pan until it reduces to 3/4th of its original volume. 
• Then add sugar and boil for another 3 minutes on low flame. 
• Then remove from flame and set aside  until it reaches room temperature. Add rose essence and pink food color if you wish. Then refrigerate until it chills well. 

• Now take the long serving glass and add 3 spoons of this soaked badam pisin / almond gum and then pour the chilled rose milk and top it with a scoop of ice cream. 
• Sprinkle some tutti frutti over the ice cream (optional) and serve!!

Vanilla Flavored Jigardhanda: 

I also make vanilla flavored Jigardhanda, its my version; The rose flavored ones are the predominantly available ones in street side stalls. Do try this in case you don't have rose essence or if you don't like the rose flavor. 

• Follow the same procedure just replace rose essence with vanilla essence and add a pinch of yellow food color. 
• Top it with ice-cream, sprinkle some tutti-frutti and serve!! 

TIP 1: I used 2 spoons (12 grams) of badam pisin / almond gum and I got a bowl full (750 grams) of jelly. I used it to serve the whole family but still I got excess. The remaining I stored in the refrigerator. The badam pisin absorbs more water and even if you keep pouring water it will still absorb and give you more jelly. So soak just few rocks in water if you are making just a glass or two. If it is in excess you can store in refrigerator for a day or two and use it. 

TIP 2: Ice-cream flavors are optional and you can add your favorite essence to milk. I have tasted orange flavored Jigardhanda topped with a scoop of orange ice-cream. It tastes heavenly too. 

TIP 3: You can just add it in milk and add sugar and serve with warm milk, do not use hot milk here. 

Yummilicious and refreshing chiller Jigardhanda is now ready!! 
Its a big hit here in South India especially Madurai!! It is commonly called the Madurai Jil Jil Jigardhanda... 
Am sure you will love it!!! 
Serve as drink or dessert!!

Sending this recipe to Shree's Event!

and to Priya's event!