Sweet Edible Gum Powder
A traditional restorative powder made from roasted acacia gum (gond), rock sugar, and aromatic cardamom. This simple three-ingredient blend is prepared by roasting the gum until puffed and crisp, then grinding it into a fine powder with sweet sugar and spice. It is typically consumed by the spoonful with water, valued in Ayurveda for its strengthening properties.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Edible Gum (Acacia/Gond) (Originally '1 Sher'. Use Baval (Acacia) gum pieces about the size of chickpeas.)
- 1 pound Rock Sugar (Mishri) (Originally '1 Sher'. Can substitute with granulated sugar if unavailable.)
- 1 tablespoon Cardamom seeds (Originally '1 Tola'. Measure seeds after removing pods.)
Instructions
- 1Ensure the edible gum pieces are approximately the size of chickpeas. If they are too large, break them down carefully to ensure even roasting.
- 2Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet (traditionally an earthenware shard) over medium heat. Roast the gum pieces in batches, stirring constantly, until they puff up completely and become crisp. They should expand significantly and turn opaque.
- 3Once cooled, crush the roasted gum into a fine powder and pass it through a wire mesh sieve to ensure no hard pieces remain. Separately, crush the rock sugar and sieve it as well. Finely crush the cardamom seeds.
- 4Combine the powdered gum, powdered sugar, and cardamom powder thoroughly. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
- 5Take one small heaped teaspoon of the powder morning and evening. Place the powder in the mouth and swallow it, following immediately with a gulp of water.