How to Make Panta: The Popular Fermented Rice Beverage of Bangladesh

Do you want to try a refreshing and healthy drink? Panta might be just what you’re looking for! This traditional Nepali drink is known for its thirst-quenching properties and is easy to make with a few simple ingredients. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make your own panta and impress your friends and family with your new cooking skills.

Panta is a fermented drink made with rice, water, and a hint of lime. It’s a favorite in the summer months in Nepal and also has many health benefits. The fermentation process gives the drink a slight tangy taste and is said to aid in digestion and boost the immune system. So why not give it a go and make your panta today?

The Ingredients You Need to Make Panta

Panta is a traditional Bangladeshi drink made from leftover rice soaked in water. The drink is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that are readily available in local markets. In this section, we will discuss the ingredients that you need to make panta.

Rice

As we mentioned earlier, panta is made from leftover rice. However, you can also use freshly cooked rice to make the drink. Generally, a cup of rice is enough to make one glass of panta. If you are making panta from leftover rice, soak it in water for at least two hours before you start preparing the drink.

Water

Water is the main ingredient in panta. You need enough water to soak the rice and to make the drink. The amount of water you need depends on the amount of rice you use. Generally, you should use about three cups of water for one cup of rice.

Salt

Panta is known for its sour and salty taste. Salt is an essential ingredient in the drink that enhances its flavor. You should add salt to the rice before soaking it in water. Use about half a teaspoon of salt for one cup of rice.

Lemon

Lemon is an optional ingredient in panta. However, it adds a citrusy flavor to the drink. If you want to add lemon to your panta, squeeze one or two lemons in a cup of water and mix it with the soaked rice.

Green Chillies

Green chillies are another optional ingredient in panta. They add a spicy taste to the drink. If you prefer your panta spicy, chop one or two green chillies and mix them with the rice.

Cilantro

Cilantro adds a refreshing flavor to panta. You can chop a handful of cilantro and mix it with the rice. However, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip this ingredient.

Onion

Onion adds a mild flavor to panta. If you like onions, you can chop a small onion and mix it with the rice before soaking it in water. However, if you don’t like onions, you can skip this ingredient.

Cumin

Cumin is another optional ingredient in panta. It adds a distinct, earthy taste to the drink. If you want to use cumin, you can roast a teaspoon of cumin seeds and grind them into a powder. Mix the powder with the soaked rice.

Garlic

Garlic adds a pungent flavor to panta. Chop a few cloves of garlic and mix them with the rice before soaking it in water. However, if you don’t like garlic, you can skip this ingredient.

Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is an essential ingredient in panta. It adds a unique, pungent flavor to the drink. However, if you cannot find mustard oil, you can use any other vegetable oil as a substitute. Use about a teaspoon of oil for one cup of rice.

In Conclusion

In this section, we discussed the ingredients that you need to make panta. Remember to soak the rice in water for at least two hours before starting to prepare the drink. Use enough salt and water to enhance the flavor of the drink. Panta is an easy-to-make drink that you can modify to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients for Making Panta

Now that we know the basics of what panta is, let’s dive in and explore the ingredients that are required to make this refreshing drink. Here’s a list of the primary ingredients that you’ll need to create the perfect panta:

1. Rice: The most important ingredient for making panta is rice. You should use parboiled rice for the best results. Parboiled rice is partially boiled in the husk which helps to retain its nutrients.

2. Water: The next crucial ingredient is water. You should use boiled and cooled water, preferably filtered or mineral water. The quality of water plays a vital role in the taste of panta.

3. Yogurt: The heart of panta is yogurt. The best yogurt to use will be homemade yogurt or from a trustworthy source. Make sure it’s not sour and has a mild flavor.

4. Salt: Salt plays a vital role in making panta. It not only brings out the flavor, but it also helps to ferment the rice. Make sure the salt you use is clean and fresh.

5. Green chilies: Fresh, green chilies are vital for adding a spicy kick to panta. You should use long green chilies as they have a mild heat and are easy to chop.

6. Garlic: Garlic is a key ingredient in panta that adds a pungent and slightly bitter taste. For best results, use fresh garlic cloves that are finely chopped.

7. Ginger: Ginger adds a unique flavor to panta, with its slight spiciness. Use freshly grated ginger for the best taste.

8. Mint leaves: Mint leaves give a refreshing touch to panta. Use fresh mint leaves to get the optimum flavor.

9. Lemon: Lemon adds acidity to the panta and makes it more refreshing. You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice or cut fresh lemons into wedges.

10. Sugar: If you like your panta a little sweeter, you can add sugar to it. But, be careful not to add too much as it will change the flavor. Better to keep it natural and have the sour taste of panta.

By gathering these ingredients and following the recipe closely, you’ll be able to create the perfect panta. Now that we have the ingredients sorted, the next step is to explore the recipe in more detail. Stay tuned!

Ingredients needed for making Panta

Panta bhat is a simple yet delicious dish, typically eaten in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and some other South Asian countries. The dish mainly consists of fermented rice that is soaked in water overnight and is often served with various spicy accompaniments. Here are some of the key ingredients you need to prepare panta bhat.

The process of making Panta Bhat

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making panta bhat.

1. Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for a night.

2. In the morning, take out the rice from water and leave it for 20-30 minutes in a strainer so that all the excess water drains out.

3. Now take a large mixing bowl. Add the soaked rice, yogurt, and salt to it. Mash everything together with a spoon or your hands.

4. Pour 4-5 cups of water into the mixture and stir well. Mix it evenly so that there are no lumps of rice left in it.

5. Cover the bowl with a lid or a plastic wrap and keep it at a warm place for around 4-5 hours until the mixture ferments.

6. Once the mixture is fermented and ready, you can have your first bite of panta bhat! But before that, let’s make some delicious spicy accompaniments.

Making the spicy accompaniments

There are many accompaniments that go well with panta bhat. Here are a few options for you:

1. Fried Green Chillies: Heat some oil in a pan. Add green chillies, fry them for a minute, and then take them out.

2. Chopped onions with green chillies: Mix chopped onions and green chillies in a bowl. Add salt and a dash of lemon juice.

3. Spicy Tadka: Heat the oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida to it. Once the spluttering stops, add chopped garlic and fry for a minute or two.

How to Serve Panta Bhat

Panta Bhat is typically served in a traditional earthenware dish called Shora. However, you can use any regular serving bowl to serve panta bhat. Here’s how to serve it:

1. Take a portion of the fermented rice mixture and put it in a serving bowl.

2. Add a little bit of water to it depending on how watery you like your panta bhat.

3. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix everything well.

4. Serve panta bhat with your favorite spicy accompaniments.

Conclusion

Making panta bhat is easy and does not require many ingredients. It is an excellent breakfast option and is perfect for those who want to try something new. With a little bit of practice, you can easily master the art of making panta bhat. So, what are you waiting for? Go to your kitchen and start preparing panta bhat. You won’t be disappointed!

Time to Enjoy Your Refreshing Panta

Now that you’ve learned how to make panta, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy! This simple and refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days. Don’t forget to experiment with different fruits and herbs to find the perfect flavor combo for you. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you back again soon for more exciting recipes and tips!