Jamu Kunyit Asam: Turmeric Tamarind Tonic
An authentic Indonesian herbal tonic made from fresh turmeric, tamarind, ginger, and palm sugar. This vibrant drink is known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Ingredients
- 4 cup water
- 1 cup fresh turmeric peeled and sliced
- 0.5 cup fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- 0.25 cup tamarind paste seedless
- 0.25 cup palm sugar gula melaka
- 0.25 tsp salt
Instructions
- Wash and peel the fresh turmeric and ginger. Slice them thinly to aid blending.
- In a blender, combine the sliced turmeric, ginger, and 2 cups of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a medium pot, pressing firmly to extract all the liquid. Discard the remaining solids.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of water, tamarind paste, palm sugar (gula melaka), and salt to the pot with the strained liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the palm sugar has fully dissolved and the flavors have melded.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the Jamu Kunyit Asam to cool completely to room temperature.
- Taste the tonic and adjust the sweetness if desired by adding more palm sugar, dissolving it thoroughly.
- Pour the cooled Jamu Kunyit Asam into a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled or warm.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality turmeric and ginger. Adjust palm sugar to your preferred sweetness. You can serve Jamu Kunyit Asam warm or chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.