Bandrek: Sundanese Sweet and Spicy Hot Drink Recipe

Have you ever felt the enchantment of sipping a warm, fragrant drink on a cold night? Let me introduce you to Bandrek recipe.

Imagine misty mountains, crisp air, and a slight chill. That’s the time for bandrek. West Java’s Sundanese have relished this Indonesian drink for years. Its distinctive blend of sweetness and spiciness warms and captivates.

The formula, passed down from generation to generation, makes bandrek recipe distinctive. Palm sugar blends ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. This culinary symphony will please your taste buds.

Bandrek is more than a tasty hot drink. Indonesian culture values it deeply. Weddings and traditional ceremonies offer it to signify warmth, hospitality, and togetherness. It’s a drink that bonds people and makes memories.

How to Make Bandrek (Sundanese Sweet and Spicy Hot Drink)

I remember bandrek at a Sundanese wedding. I could sense the affection in the warming cup. The perfume was enticing, and my first sip was a blast of flavors that warmed my soul. It was perfect happiness, and I couldn’t believe how a simple drink could provoke such tremendous emotions.

Bandrek can be enjoyed anytime. Recreate this wonderful experience at home. You may master bandrek recipe and share this delicious drink with your loved ones by following a few simple steps and adding your own touch.

Are you ready for an Indonesian culinary adventure? Let’s explore bandrek with your apron and ingredients. I’ll demonstrate each process and offer suggestions. Sip, savor, and make memories to last a lifetime. Cheers to bandrek and exploring other cultures one sip at a time!

Ingredients for Bandrek

To make a delicious bandrek, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 teaspoons of ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon of lemongrass powder
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg powder
• 4 tablespoons of palm sugar
• 1 pandan leaf (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bandrek

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the ginger powder, lemongrass powder, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder. Mix well to create a spice blend.

Step 2: Boil the Water

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the pandan leaf (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavor.

Step 3: Add the Spice Mixture and Palm Sugar

Gradually add the spice mixture to the boiling water, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution. Next, add the palm sugar and salt, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 4: Simmer and Strain

Reduce the heat to low and let the bandrek simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Once done, strain the bandrek to remove any residue or solid particles.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the bandrek into mugs or cups and serve it hot. Bandrek is best enjoyed during cold weather or as a comforting beverage. Feel free to garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pandan leaf for added aesthetics.

Bandrek Variations and Enhancements

Bandrek can be customized and enhanced with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Here are some exciting variations you can try:

• Coconut Bandrek

For a creamy twist, substitute half of the water with coconut milk. This variation adds richness to the drink and complements the spices beautifully.

• Chocolate Bandrek

If you’re a chocolate lover, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the spice mixture. It creates a delightful fusion of warm spices and rich chocolate flavors.

• Pandan Bandrek

Introduce a unique aroma to your bandrek by infusing it with pandan leaves. Simply add a few pandan leaves to the boiling water and let it simmer along with the spices.

• Coffee Bandrek

For a caffeine kick, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the spice mixture. This variation combines the bold flavors of coffee with the comforting warmth of bandrek.

• Fruity Bandrek

Experiment with different fruits to create refreshing bandrek variations. You can try adding slices of orange, lemon, or even muddled berries to infuse a fruity twist into the drink.

Tips for the Perfect Bandrek

Using fresh and high-quality spices, herbs, and palm sugar will greatly enhance the flavor and aroma of your bandrek. Opt for organic ingredients if possible.

Feel free to adjust the amount of palm sugar and spices according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bit more palm sugar. For a spicier kick, increase the ginger or cinnamon.

Garnishing your traditional Sundanese herbal ginger drink with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pandan leaf, or even a twist of citrus peel not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall sensory experience.

FAQs

• Apfelschorle
• Mote con Huesillos

Bandrek Recipe

Warm up your soul with the enchanting flavors of bandrek, a traditional Indonesian drink that combines sweetness and spiciness in perfect harmony.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Indonesian

Servings 2 Servings

Calories 89 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups of water
• 2 teaspoons of ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon of lemongrass powder
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg powder
• 4 tablespoons of palm sugar
• 1 pandan leaf optional
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, combine the ginger powder, lemongrass powder, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder. Mix well to create a spice blend.
• In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the pandan leaf (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavor.
• Gradually add the spice mixture to the boiling water, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution. Next, add the palm sugar and salt, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the bandrek simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Once done, strain the bandrek to remove any residue or solid particles.
• Pour the bandrek into mugs or cups and serve it hot. Bandrek is best enjoyed during cold weather or as a comforting beverage. Feel free to garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pandan leaf for added aesthetics.

Keyword bandrek, bandrek recipe, Sundanese Sweet and Spicy Hot Drink