Poor man’s protein drink: sweet and salty drink made from Bengal gram or chana dal

NT Features

A popular cooler from Bihar and UP, sattu sharbat is one of the most popular, traditional, healthy summer drinks. It is a cooling sweet and salty drink made from Bengal gram or chana dal. Sattu is a rich source of protein and is often referred to as poor man’s protein. It is made by dry roasting the Bengal gram (chana dal) in the sand and then pounding this roasted gram to a powder. Some people mix chickpea and Bengal gram to make sattu, which gives a twist to the flavour.

Sattu drink is thin in consistency so that it’s easy to digest. Sattu is full of nutrition with cooling properties, rich in soluble fibre, high in protein and good for the digestive system. Other than chane ka sattu (roasted gram flour) there are many sattu varieties that are available in the market.

Sattu was invented by labourers working in the fields for long hours. Since they needed an affordable, filling and wholesome meal — sattu also has a high protein content — it became ideal for people in strenuous jobs.

How to prepare sattu sharbat
INGREDIENTS

• Chana sattu - 1 cup ( 100 gms)
• Lemons - 2
• Powdered sugar- 2 tbsp
• Fresh Mint leaves - 6 to 7
• Green chilli- 1 (finely chopped)
• Roasted cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
• Black salt - 1/2 tsp or to taste
• Salt - Less than 1/4 tsp or to taste

METHOD

Put roasted chickpeas in a mixer jar and grind them. Strain and keep it in a bowl. Use homemade sattu.

Namkeen sattu drink
Take sattu in a bowl, add some water, and whisk well until the lumps dissolve. Add 1 cup of water. n

Add spices to it such as 1/4 tsp black salt, plain salt, roasted cumin powder, green chilli, and lemon juice. Mix well. Pour in a glass to serve. Garnish with some mint leaves or green coriander leaves.

Sweet sattu drink
Take sattu in a bowl, add some water, and whisk well.

Add 1 cup of water. Add 1/4 tsp black salt, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well and serve.