RECIPE

Sol Kadhi (Kokum & Coconut Milk Drink)

Sol kadhi is a chilled Konkani and Malvani drink made by mixing coconut milk with kokum extract, crushed garlic, green chilli and salt. It is served cold, often after a fish thali, and it is never boiled. Soak the kokum, mix everything together, chill and garnish with coriander. Using ready coconut milk, it takes about 35 minutes, most of that soaking time.

Prepared serving inspiration for Sol Kadhi (Kokum & Coconut Milk Drink)

Ingredients

  • 200 ml thick coconut milk
  • 8–10 dried kokum petals (or 1½ tbsp kokum agal / concentrate)
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1 green chilli
  • ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
  • Pinch of sugar, optional
  • 1 cup cold water, to adjust consistency
  • Fresh coriander, finely chopped

Method

  1. Soak the dried kokum in ½ cup warm water for 30 minutes, then squeeze the petals into the water and discard them. Skip this step if you are using kokum agal.
  2. Crush the garlic and green chilli to a coarse paste with a pinch of salt.
  3. In a bowl, mix the coconut milk, kokum extract and garlic-chilli paste. Add up to 1 cup of cold water for a thinner kadhi.
  4. Season with salt and a pinch of sugar, strain if you want it smooth, and chill.
  5. Serve cold, garnished with coriander. Do not heat it, or the coconut milk may curdle.
Yield: 3 · Prep: 35 min

Getting the colour and balance right

The pink colour comes from kokum. Add the extract gradually until you like the tartness. Thick coconut milk gives a creamy kadhi, and adding cold water makes it lighter and more drinkable.

Serving sol kadhi

Serve it in small glasses with a Malvani fish or veg thali, or drink it on its own on a hot afternoon. It keeps in the fridge for up to a day. Stir it before serving.

Coconut milk in Pune

CocoDaily lists coconut milk in 200 ml and 450 ml packs alongside its coconut water. A 200 ml pack is the right amount for this recipe. See products.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Quick answers.

Is sol kadhi made with coconut water or coconut milk?

Coconut milk. Coconut water is too thin and does not give the creamy texture.

Can I make sol kadhi without garlic?

Yes. Leave it out for a milder version, or add a little ginger instead.

Is sol kadhi served hot or cold?

Cold. It is a no-cook drink, and heating can split the coconut milk.

How long does sol kadhi last?

Up to about a day in the fridge. Stir before serving.