Indonesian Jamu Elixir
Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This recipe for a ginger-turmeric concentrate allows you to easily prepare this healthful elixir at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh turmeric grated (about 2-3 inches of root)
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- 1. In a small saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- 2. Add the grated fresh turmeric, ginger powder, and freshly ground black pepper to the boiling water.
- 3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the concentrate to form.
- 4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all solids. Discard the solids.
- 5. Store the Jamu Concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- 6. To prepare a Jamu drink, mix 1 tablespoon of the prepared Jamu Concentrate with 1 cup of hot water. Stir well.
- 7. Serve hot, or add ice cubes and a splash of lime juice or tamarind paste for a cold Jamu spritzer.
Notes
For a warm drink, simply mix the concentrate with hot water. For a refreshing spritzer, add ice cubes and a splash of lime juice or tamarind paste. You can also sweeten it with honey or agave syrup. For an indulgent twist, stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder to your hot Jamu for an 'exotic hot cocoa' flavor, as suggested by some traditional preparations.