Mukhwas, Indian Palate Freshener

By Petrina Verma Sarkar

Updated 07/22/19

Mukhwas

Niladri Nath/Getty Images

  • Total: 25 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yield: Serves 10

Mukhwas is usually eaten after a meal to aid digestion and freshen the mouth. There are countless recipes out there—once you've figured out which ingredients you prefer, you too can create your own! The ingredients should be available at most Indian groceries.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain aniseed
  • 1/2 cup chuara supari (or sugar candy)
  • 1/2 cup chania dal (the core of a coriander seed)
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds (or Betel nut slivers)
  • Few drops red food color
  • Few drops green food color
  • 1 teaspoon rose essence
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint essence

Steps to Make It

In this recipe, you can use either the chuara supari (pronounced soo-paa-ree and made from dried dates) or the sugar candy. NEVER use both—the Mukhwas will end up too sweet if both are used.

  1. Heat a flat pan on a medium flame till hot.

  2. Roast the aniseed till mildly aromatic and slightly darker. Remove from pan and cool completely.

  3. Repeat the roasting procedure with the dhania dal and the sesame seeds.

  4. Put the sesame seeds on a flat plate and add the drops of red food color to them. Mix well until all the seeds are coated. Keep aside and allow to dry fully.

  5. Do the same with the dhania dal and the green food color.

  6. Now put all the ingredients together in a large bowl and mix well.

  7. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Consume within two weeks.