Blueberry Strawberry Spiced Cooler/Smoothie

Ingredients

• 7-8 strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 3-4 basil leaves or to taste, or 8-9 mint leaves
• 2-3 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons raw sugar or jaggery or sweetener of choice, or no sweetener for a mildly sweet smoothie
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon rock salt, (kala namak or 1 Tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder, (I usually use cumin, which goes very well with sour fruits)

Steps

1. Put the strawberries and blueberries into a deep pan with mint or basil leaves, salt, sugar, rock salt or lemon juice, and cinnamon powder. Add enough water to cover the fruit.
2. Boil the fruit for 10 minutes or until it softens.
3. Once cool, blend the mixture. Adjust the salt, sugar, and rock salt; rock salt supplies a sour flavour.
4. Vary the water to suit your preference: leave the mixture thick like a smoothie for a filling breakfast, or add more water to make a light drink.
5. Serve the drink chilled with fresh mint leaves on top, or add a splash of your preferred liquor in the evening.