su-Indian Horchata
Photo: Thomas J. Story
Yields Makes 4 servings (3 cups)
If you've tried horchata, that creamy, ultra-refreshing rice drink served at taquerias, just imagine it with an Indian spin, and you've got the cooler served at All Spice in San Mateo, California (allspicerestaurant.com; they also add a saffron thread or two to each glass, and sometimes, a splash of half-and-half). For classic Mexican horchata, just use regular white rice and 2 cinnamon sticks, and omit the cardamom.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Whirl rice in a food processor to break into small pieces. Pour into a bowl and add 3 1/2 cups water, cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Cover and let stand overnight.

Step 2
2

Stir in sugar and vanilla. Purée half in batches in a blender until very smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes. Strain twice, through 3 layers of damp cheesecloth and then through a very fine strainer, into a pitcher. Pour over ice.

Step 3
3

Note: Nutritional analysis is per 3/4-cup serving.

Ingredients

 1 cup rinsed white basmati rice
 1 cinnamon stick
 3 green cardamom pods
 1/3 cup sugar
 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1
1

Whirl rice in a food processor to break into small pieces. Pour into a bowl and add 3 1/2 cups water, cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Cover and let stand overnight.

Step 2
2

Stir in sugar and vanilla. Purée half in batches in a blender until very smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes. Strain twice, through 3 layers of damp cheesecloth and then through a very fine strainer, into a pitcher. Pour over ice.

Step 3
3

Note: Nutritional analysis is per 3/4-cup serving.

Indian Horchata

Search All of Sunset's Recipes