Sanjeev Kapoor Introduces Easy Blue Pea and Gond Katira Iced Tea for Hydration
Sanjeev Kapoor shares cooling blue pea iced tea recipe.
As temperatures soar across India this summer, Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor has suggested a vibrant and cooling beverage to beat the heat — his easy Blue Pea and Gond Katira Iced Tea. The drink combines the natural cooling properties of gond katira with the antioxidant-rich, colour-changing blue pea flower (also known as aparajita or butterfly pea flower), offering a refreshing hydration boost that goes beyond plain water.
Gond katira, a plant-based resin also called tragacanth gum, is prized in traditional Indian summer drinks for its ability to retain moisture and provide a soothing, jelly-like texture when soaked. Blue pea flowers, on the other hand, infuse the tea with a striking natural blue hue and deliver a dose of antioxidants. Chef Kapoor has described the creation as a light, calming cooler perfect for the current weather, noting that gond katira helps keep the body cool and hydrated while the blue pea adds both visual appeal and health benefits.
To prepare the drink, soak 1–2 teaspoons of gond katira in water for about 5 hours or overnight until it swells into a soft, jelly-like consistency. Separately, place a handful of dried blue pea flowers in a French press or teapot, pour warm water over them, and allow the infusion to develop its characteristic blue colour. In a serving glass, add ice cubes, a few spoonfuls of the soaked gond katira, fresh lemon slices or juice, and a few mint leaves for added freshness and digestive support.
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Strain the blue pea infusion into the glass, sweeten to taste with sugar syrup, jaggery, honey, or desi khand, and top up with chilled water or soda for a fizzy twist. Stir well and serve immediately. The recipe is simple, requires minimal cooking, and can be customised according to personal preference for sweetness or tanginess.
Health enthusiasts appreciate the drink for its multiple summer-friendly benefits. Gond katira acts as a natural body cooler and hydration enhancer with anti-inflammatory properties, while the blue pea contributes antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Together with lemon and mint, the beverage may support digestion, skin hydration, and relief from heat-induced fatigue, making it a wholesome choice for hot afternoons.
This colourful iced tea offers a delightful way to stay refreshed without relying on sugary commercial drinks. As chef Sanjeev Kapoor promotes seasonal, home-made coolers, his Blue Pea and Gond Katira Iced Tea stands out as an accessible recipe that blends tradition with modern wellness trends, helping families combat dehydration and enjoy the season with a touch of elegance and nutrition.
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