Paan Recipe - A Flavorful Indian Mouth Freshener and Digestive Delight

Paan Recipe - A Flavorful Indian Mouth Freshener and Digestive Delight

 

Recipe: Paan

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Paan Filling:

- Betel leaves (Paan leaves), fresh and washed

- Areca nut (supari), sliced into thin pieces (optional)

- Slaked lime (chuna), a pinch (optional)

- Fennel seeds (saunf)

- Sweet rose preserve (gulkand)

- Chopped or grated coconut

- Cardamom seeds, crushed

- Chopped or slivered cherries, tutti-frutti, or candied fruits (optional)

- Silvered edible foil (varak) for decoration (optional)

 

For the Paan Masala (Optional):

- Dried mint leaves

- Dried rose petals

- Dried fennel seeds

- Dried cardamom seeds

- Dried cloves

 

Instructions:

 

Step 1: Preparing the Paan Masala (Optional)

 

  1. If you choose to make a Paan masala mix, blend equal amounts of dried mint leaves, dried rose petals, dried fennel seeds, dried cardamom seeds, and dried cloves in a grinder until you have a fine powder. Store this mixture in an airtight container.

 

Step 2: Assembling the Paan

 

  1. Take a fresh betel leaf and place it on a clean surface with the glossy side down and the veins facing up.

 

  1. If you're using sliced areca nut, place a few pieces in the center of the betel leaf.

 

  1. Optionally, add a pinch of slaked lime (chuna) over the areca nut. Be cautious with this ingredient as it's potent and can be harsh on the mouth. Some people prefer to skip it.

 

  1. Sprinkle a pinch of fennel seeds (saunf) evenly over the areca nut.

 

  1. Add a spoonful of sweet rose preserve (gulkand) over the ingredients.

 

  1. Next, sprinkle some chopped or grated coconut over the gulkand.

 

  1. Add a pinch of crushed cardamom seeds for flavor.

 

  1. Optionally, include some chopped or slivered cherries, tutti-frutti, or candied fruits for an extra burst of sweetness and color.

 

  1. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of the prepared Paan masala mix over the other ingredients.

 

Step 3: Folding and Serving the Paan

 

  1. Carefully fold the sides of the betel leaf over the filling, forming a triangular or cone shape.

 

  1. Secure the Paan by inserting a toothpick or a clove through the folded edges.

 

  1. Optionally, decorate the Paan with a small piece of silvered edible foil (varak) for an elegant touch.

 

Step 4: Enjoying the Paan

 

  1. Offer the prepared Paan to your guests or enjoy it as a mouth freshener and digestive aid after a meal.

 

  1. Chew the Paan slowly, savoring the complex and aromatic flavors. It's a common tradition to chew Paan after a meal in India, as it's believed to aid digestion and freshen the breath.

 

Experience the delightful and aromatic flavors of homemade Paan, a cherished tradition in Indian cuisine.

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