Gasagase Udak

This particular drink might be called differently by other Konkanis, but my Mom called it Gasagase Udak, which means ‘poppy seed water’. My Mom also considered this to be a pain killer as poppy seeds get you a very good sleep. An ideal drink after a strenuous hike or hectic travel for a good sleep. When I was very young, I remember my Grandma served this drink in a big, long and very artistic bronze tumbler.

In Bangalore I have tasted Gasagase Payasa for which some ingredients are same, but this is much different in taste.

Ingredients to serve 1 (in a big glass):

- 2 tablespoons roasted poppy seeds
- 1 table spoon fresh grated coconut, specifically the upper layer which is sweet and soft. The lower layer of the coconut is usually doesn’t grind into smooth paste. This may make the drink little coarse.

- 2 inch piece of jaggery powdered coarsely.
Use fresh jaggery because it will have lighter color to the drink. Molasses or darker jaggery will give a darker color to the drink. 2 spoons of Brown sugar or honey are good substitutes

- 6 roasted cashew nuts (4 for grinding 2 for garnishing)

Method :

Grind all the above ingredients with little water to a very smooth paste. Then put this paste in a big bowl add glassful of water to get a very thin consistency. You can add more jaggery to get the desired sweetness.

Serve fresh garnishing with cashew halves. You can serve it in a little modern way by cooling it but, not chilled. On a hot afternoon tastes very good.