Bali Jamu: Golden Indonesian Elixir
A revitalizing Indonesian herbal drink, crafted from fresh turmeric, ginger, and tamarind. This golden elixir is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost overall vitality, a true cornerstone of Balinese wellness.
Ingredients
- 200 g fresh turmeric peeled and sliced
- 50 g fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- 4 cups water for blending and simmering
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste or pulp from 50g fresh tamarind
- 2 tablespoons honey or palm sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch black pepper optional
- 1 lime juice optional
Instructions
- Clean and peel the fresh turmeric and ginger. Slice them into small pieces to facilitate blending.
- In a blender, combine the sliced turmeric and ginger with 2 cups of water. Blend until very smooth.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a saucepan, pressing firmly to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of water, tamarind paste, and honey (or palm sugar) to the saucepan with the strained liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Do not boil vigorously.
- Simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tamarind and sweetener to fully dissolve. If using black pepper and lime juice, add them now.
- Remove from heat and let the Jamu cool. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
For extra spice, add a pinch of black pepper, which also enhances turmeric absorption. Adjust honey/palm sugar to your preferred sweetness. Jamu can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a stronger flavor, let the blended mixture steep for an hour before straining. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra zing.