Back in those days, during hot summer days, our ancestors knew what to drink to stay cool. Not fancy sodas or artificial juices: but koozh (fermented porridge), the age old summer drink that cools the body, nourishes the soul, and keeps you energized.
In today’s fast-paced world, reviving these simple traditional habits is not just nostalgic, it’s smart. Let’s explore summer drink koozh is a wholesome choice and how it can be your go-to drink this season!
What is Koozh? A Taste of Tamil Tradition
Koozh is a fermented millet-based porridge, commonly made with kambu (pearl millet) or ragi (finger millet). It’s been a staple in Tamil homes for centuries, especially during peak summer. Why? Because it keeps you cool from within, aids digestion, and is packed with natural nutrients.
Traditionally, koozh is made by fermenting millet porridge overnight. The result is a mildly sour, cooling drink that’s often enjoyed with raw onions, green chillies, and a buttermilk or pickle on the side.
Over time, koozh has taken on many delicious forms across Tamil Nadu. While the classic version made from kambu remains a favorite, ragi koozh has earned its place for its rich taste and cooling effect. In some households, mappillai samba rice is used to create a denser, more filling version of koozh, packed with iron and tradition. There are also blends that use multiple millets or traditional rice varieties, offering a balance of taste, nutrition, and heritage. No matter which grain is used, each bowl of koozh carries a unique regional flavor, subtle differences in texture, aroma, and tang that reflect the hands and hearts of the people who make it.
Porridge Mix for Summer Drink: The Easy Way to Make Koozh
If you’re thinking, “That sounds amazing, but I don’t have time to soak and grind millets,” don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Ready-to-use porridge mixes are the modern-day blessing. With just a few steps, you can enjoy authentic koozh.
- Choose a natural porridge mix, look for ones made with kambu, ragi, multi-millet or any traditional rice based blends.
- Take 1 cup of the Ulamart Koozh Instant mix and add 1.5 cups of water.
- Mix thoroughly using a whisk to ensure there are no lumps.
- While mixing, you can add crushed cumin, black pepper and salt for added taste and flavours.
- Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring continuously, until the colour changes dark and it thickens into a smooth porridge. Add a little extra water if required while cooking.
- The porridge is ready now. Let the cooked porridge cool down.
- Now add slightly thick buttermilk, water and mix well into required consistency.
- Now it’s ready to eat as a porridge or drink as koozh.
To enjoy the added health benefits of Koozh, intake it after fermentation. Let’s see what are the benefits of fermentation.
Fermentation enhances digestion, boosts gut health, and improves nutrient absorption. It naturally cools the body, making koozh perfect for summer. Plus, the probiotics formed during fermentation help strengthen immunity and keep the stomach light and healthy.
- Once the porridge is cooled down completely, pour water that fills up to 1 inch above the porridge level
- And allow it to ferment for 6 to 8 hours (or overnight).
- Once it’s fermented, first give a good mix on the fermented porridge by pressing down all the lumps with your hands or a spatula.
- Then add buttermilk, water and bring to the required consistency.
- Taste with raw small onions, green chillies, mango, roasted peanuts or any sides of your favourite choice and enjoy the bliss!
TIP: How to know it is Fermented?: You’ll know it’s ready when it develops a mildly sour aroma and you may notice small bubbles on the water surface. In cooler climates, fermentation may take 10 to 12 hours. Keep it loosely covered in a warm place for best results.
At Ulamart, our traditional porridge or koozh mixes are traditionally homemade to bring back the lost flavors of Tamil kitchens. Whether it’s Kambu Koozh, Ragi Koozh, Karuppu kavuni Kanji or Mappillai Samba Kanji, each one is rooted in health and heritage.
Why Koozh is the Best Summer Drink (Better than Bottled Beverages!)
Let’s face it; most soft drinks today are loaded with sugar and preservatives. They might cool you for a moment, but they leave you thirstier and more tired in the long run.
Here’s why koozh made from traditional porridge mix is far superior:
- It helps to maintain ideal body temperature
- Boosts gut health with natural probiotics
- No chemicals or preservatives
- Keeps you full and energized for hours
- Prevents dehydration
A Summer Ritual for Every Home
Imagine this: It’s a hot afternoon, the kids are back from play, you’re done with your chores, and instead of handing them a plastic bottle of cola, you serve them a chilled glass of koozh. Nourishing, refreshing, and completely guilt-free.
Make it a ritual. Add chopped onions and curry leaves. Sip it slowly. Let your body thank you.
Final Thoughts: Sip Smart, Stay Cool
In the rush of modern life, we often overlook the simplest solutions passed down by our elders. Koozh, made from an instant porridge mix, isn’t just a drink; it’s a tradition of health and sustainability. As the temperatures rise, make the smart, delicious switch to this simple summer drink.
You can conveniently buy Ulamart’s porridge mixes online for quick delivery to your doorstep. Start your COOL (Koozh) journey today: and let this summer drink be truly refreshing!
