Walnut Free Vegan Aam Panna
This tangy, cooling drink is a beloved Indian summer classic made from raw green mangoes, and every sip delivers a bright, complex hit of sour, sweet, smoky, and minty all at once. The mangoes are simmered until completely soft, then blended with fresh mint, warming cardamom, and black salt — that last ingredient is the secret weapon, adding a distinctive savory depth you won't find in any store-bought version. Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them takes maybe two minutes but makes a noticeable difference, coaxing out a nuttier, more aromatic flavor that ties the whole drink together. Every single ingredient here is naturally plant-based and free from tree nuts, so there's no label-reading anxiety or substitution gymnastics required. The recipe also gives you control over consistency — use more of the reserved cooking water for a light, refreshing sipper or less for a bold, concentrated pour over ice. It's the kind of drink that looks impressive at a gathering but comes together with a blender, a strainer, and ingredients you can find at most grocery or international food stores.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 large raw green mangoes (about 1.5 lb total)
- 3 cups water, divided
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp black salt (kala namak)
- ¼ tsp regular salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the whole raw mangoes in a medium saucepan and add 2 cups of the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 18–20 minutes, until the skin is wrinkled and the flesh feels completely soft when pierced with a knife.
- 2
While the mangoes cook, toast the cumin seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and a shade darker. Transfer immediately to a plate to stop cooking, then grind to a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon.
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