Beat the Heat: How to Make Traditional Rice Drink Kootchulu (Neeragaram)

May 28, 2024 Pooja Singh

Rice drink Kootchulu: Summer temperatures have gone beyond 45 degrees in some places in India. Excessive heat in the environment is creating problems related to digestion, heat rashes, low BP, dehydration, and skin-related problems. To reduce these issues exposure to the sun should be minimized and special attention should be paid to the diet during this season. The body starts deteriorating due to a lack of water and electrolyte balance. You can add a traditional rice-fermented drink called Kootchulu, also known as Neeragaram, to your diet to restore electrolyte balance.

How to make Rice drink Kootchulu or Neeragaram

It is a comfort drink enjoyed in the southern part of India. It has a very simple recipe that you can try as well.

Ingredients

2 cups of leftover cooked rice
6 to 7 cups of Water
2 tablespoons Curd / Yogurt
2 teaspoon Til Oil / Sesame Oil
2 tablespoon Shallots / Small Onions – finely chopped
Few curry leaves ( 5 to 10 leaves ) Curry Leaves – Tear them in pieces
Salt to taste

Steps for recipe

Fermentation process – Soak 2 cups of cooked rice in 6 to 7 cups of water overnight
Next Morning, strain the water in which the rice was soaked
Now mash 2 tablespoons of rice well in 2 cups of strained rice water
Add 2 tablespoons curd, torn curry leaves, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots to it
Add salt to taste
Add more water If you like a buttermilk-like consistency
You can drink up to 2 glasses a day

Benefits of Rice Drink

Fermented rice water supports a stronger immune system due to its high vitamin, mineral, and amino acid content
It removes fatigue as it is rich in vitamin B, C, and vitamin-E
It keeps you hydrated all day long when consumed on an empty stomach
This water is effective in boosting sluggish metabolism in summer due to its high fiber content
Drinking this water improves blood flow in the body and cools the body from the inside

Try to make and enjoy this traditional cooling summer drink. You can also add half a teaspoon of ginger and roasted cumins for additional taste. You can also use buttermilk instead of curd/yogurt. Try to use an earthen pot for additional flavor. This is an age-old recipe to beat the scorching heat and keep body. Do try !!