In the North of India, as the winter sets in, carrot kanji (a fermented drink with carrots and mustard seeds) will be prepared in the houses.  It has a unique taste that is tangy, and an exotic color.  Fermented vegetables are potential healers. They can enhance the immune system, treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reduce systemic allergic responses.

Ingredients:

 

250 gms red(or orange) carrots peeled and cut into 1 inch long  pieces

7 cups of water

3 tbsps mustard seeds roughly ground

Salt to taste

½ tsp black salt

A pinch of asafoetida

¼ tsp red chilli powder

Instructions:

 

• Mix in the ground mustard seeds, salt, black salt, red chilli powder and asafoetida into the water.
• Add the cut carrots. Pour into a glass jar; cover the mouth of the jar with a cloth.
• Keep in the sun during day time for 4 to 5 days. Stir it well in the evenings.
• It can be taken as a drink or served along with lunch.