Beetroot Squash

Recipe No: 220

I first had this squash from a neighbor of ours on a hot summer day and no wonder why I fell in love with it the second I tasted it and started making it ever since. The use of Tonovin essence gives it a slight grape like taste which kids just adore.

Ingredients

• Beetroot…………………..1/2 Kg (Peeled and cubed)
• Sugar………………………1 ½ Kg
• Citric Acid………………..1 1/3 Tablespoons
• Tonovin Essence……….1/2 - 3/4 Tablespoon

Method of Preparation
To make the Beetroot Squash Concentrate

1. Cook the cubed Beetroot pieces together with 2 ½ cups Water for 20-25 minutes on medium high heat until the Beet pieces are a bit soft.
2. Blend the cooked Beetroot together with the remaining liquid really well.
3. Strain the blended Beet juice through a cheese cloth taking care to avoid the pulp. Use ½ - ¾ cup Water if it needs more Water to get squeezed. Keep it aside till ready to be used.
4. Heat Sugar with 1 cup Water until melted. Please strain it if there are any unwanted residues.
5. Once the Sugar is dissolved and the syrup boils, add Citric acid and switch off the heat.
6. Add the Beet juice and Tonovin Essence. Mix well and let it cool down completely before bottling. 
7. Store the squash concentrate in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

To serve the squash

• Beetroot Squash Concentrate…3-4 Tablespoons
• Water………………………………….1 Cup
• Ice cubes……………………………..3-4

Method of Preparation

• Mix Squash concentrate, Ice cubes and Water well and serve chilled.

Notes:

• Don’t try to strain it through a strainer as it will not get rid of the pulp. So use a Cheese cloth or a regular cloth with wide meshes that will allow most of the liquid  to pass but prevent the pulp. Do squeeze it lightly to get most of the liquid.
• Citric acid gives the squash a sour taste and is very essential. It is available in most of the Indian stores.
• Tonovin Essence has a signature Grape like taste and is available in most of the Indian stores. If you don’t like it, feel free to avoid it, but if you want to give this  squash a slight Grape like taste, do use it and the amount is entirely up to you. (I used ¾ Tablespoons)

Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and 
serve it to your family with love…