Vegan Chukku Kaapi Recipe, Dairy-free

“Chukkillaatha Kashaayamillai”, there is no kashaya without Ginger.

The original ‘Kaapi’ that most of Tamil Nadu and Kerala drank before ‘By-Two Kaapi’ became popular, Chukku Kaapi is an amazing drink to start the day with. It clears your senses when you’re groggy in the morning or tired in the evening and totally refreshes you. It is also a wonderful aid during respiratory infections (especially sore throat) or when gas trouble threatens to ruin your reputation.

Whole Food Plant Based Chukku Kaapi Recipe

Course: Beverage, Herbal & Spice Tea
Cuisine: Tamil Recipe from South India
Servings: 2 Glasses

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp Dry Ginger Powder
1/2 tsp Dhaniya Powder / Coriander Seed Powder
1/2 tsp Jeera Powder / Cumin Seed Powder
1/2 tsp Pepper Powder
4 tbsp Date Syrup
1 1/2 glasses Water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all the ingredients together in a bowl and place it on the stove at medium flame. Boil for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm.

Plant Based Chef Pro Tips for Best Chukku Kaapi

1. It is a good idea to mix the powders and store it in an airtight container so you can make it everyday without much effort!

Nutrition Science Highlights for WFPB Chukku Kaapi Recipe

1. Ginger for Boosting Athletic Performance: Chukku kaapi has traditionally been the beverage of choice in the early morning and before any physical exercise. It comes as no surprise that ginger has been found to enhance physical performance and digestion!
2. Why not honey, sugar or jaggery? Sugar and Jaggery are processed foods. Although jaggery is healthier than brown sugar, which, in turn, is healthier than white sugar, all forms of processed foods are unhealthy when compared to whole plant foods. Honey is healthwise as good as jaggery, which isn't saying much. In addition to not being very healthy, honey production kills millions of bees every year, affecting our environment adversely. The best sweetener alternative is a whole fruit or dry fruit. The easiest method of using these is date syrup, as it does not involve peeling or chopping.
3. Why spices? Spices are among the healthiest foods on the planet in terms of their ability to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. They pack the highest antioxidant:calorie ratio. Just one pinch of spice powders exponentially increases the antioxidant content of any dish. Dishes like these, that have many strong spices, are a great way to amp up the health quotient of our everyday meals. Raw and boiled or steamed spices retain their phytonutrient content better than roasted or baked spices.
4. Why not dairy? Dairy products have been found to be associated with increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, asthma, PCOS, and heart disease. We can still enjoy our milk, cream, and butter though - as long as they are made from whole plant foods!