Mango-Pineapple Kulukki

Its already pouring back in India, the monsoon is here! but owing to the global health crisis( covid-19), looks like feeling the monsoon spray, and the earthy scent is grim this year for us. So we sit put in the currently sizzling U.A.E and enjoy the Mango rain instead! I can't stop but remember our experience last year this time, when the tangy-sweet- spicy Kulukki was trending in my native place, Udupi-Mangalore. Every get-together, every function had this welcome drink and we just drank away by making multiple entry-exits through the entrance just for this!! And it doesn't stop there, we go looking for the best Kulukki juice centers for more. So, to relive that moment, I hit the kitchen to spur up the perfect blend, and after many trials and errors I have the perfect Kulukki with spot on tang!! 

This drink is orignated from Kerala. The word "Kulukki" means shaken in malyalam. This is purely my own version of Kulukki, based on the taste this summer drink has left on my tastebuds. My son loved this drink but hates basil seeds so I haven't used it.  Basil is a coolant and has several health benefits, so go ahead and add it. Tastes good alike. Let's get the drink shaking.

So, what we need is, 3/4 cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup Mango chunks, a chilly, Sugar, basil seeds and chilled water.

First, blend 3/4th cup, pineapple chunks to a smooth paste and strain it. You will end up with about 1/2 a cup juice.

In the same blender, add 1 cup mango chunks, 2bsp lemon juice and blend to a puree. 

Now to the mango puree add the pineapple juice, and 1 green chilly(use more or less depending on your taste) and all you need to do is pulse it, once or twice just to get it mixed well and the chilly lightly lacerated.(Don't over blend, we don't want to puree the chilly which might release too much heat!)

Now your Kulukki base puree is ready, you can assemble it or refrigerate it and use when needed(since it has all fresh ingredients, best to use it within a day.

The drink tastes best when you assemble and stir it up just before serving. To make one cup of Kulukki drink, take a glass, add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1tsp sugar, a pinch salt, stir well. For best result you can whip it up with a milk frother, like I did.

Now to this add 4 tbsp of Kulukki base puree. Stir well, and add 1/2 a cup chilled water, torn mint leaves , a dash of soaked basil seeds, stir...and voila!

Make way for Mango-Pineapple Kulukki Sharbath(meaning juice).