Khas syrup

 Khas syrup, also known as Khus syrup or Vetiver syrup, is a popular Indian syrup made from the essence of vetiver roots. It has a unique, refreshing flavor and is often used to make drinks and desserts. Here's a recipe for making Khas syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vetiver roots (cleaned and washed)
• 4 cups water
• 3 cups sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for added tanginess)

Instructions:

1. Take the cleaned and washed vetiver roots and tie them in a clean muslin cloth, creating a small bundle.

2. In a large pot, add the water and the vetiver bundle. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.

3. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the vetiver roots to infuse their flavor into the water.

4. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it cool. Allow the vetiver bundle to steep in the water for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.

5. After the steeping period, remove the vetiver bundle from the water and discard it.

6. Pour the infused water into a clean pot and place it on the stove over low heat. Add the sugar and stir until it completely dissolves.

7. If desired, add the green food coloring to enhance the visual appeal of the syrup. You can also add the citric acid at this stage if you prefer a slightly tangy taste.

8. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

9. Remove the pot from heat and let the syrup cool completely.

10. Once cooled, transfer the Khas syrup into a clean, sterilized glass bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

To use the Khas syrup, you can mix it with chilled water to make a refreshing Khas drink. You can also add it to lemonade, soda, or cocktails to give them a unique twist. Additionally, the syrup can be drizzled over desserts like ice cream or used as a flavoring in various sweet recipes.

Note: Vetiver roots can sometimes be challenging to find. If you're unable to source them, you may try using vetiver essence or khus essence, which can be found in specialty food stores or online. The amount of essence needed may vary, so refer to the product's instructions for the appropriate measurement.