Earlier this year, I had the opportunity of dining at Jigg Kalra’s first Mumbai outlet of Punjab Grill. While the appetizers at the kebab-themed restaurant were heavenly, the entrees were merely satisfactory. But all’s well that ends well. And the end to this meal was spectacular. Flaming gulab jamun’s doused in rum were a table-side show-stopper. But what was even more delightful was the sheer genius of the paan shot finale. If you’re not already familiar with paan, it is a palatte cleaners and digestive used in India, often at the end of a meal. Paan vendors are ubiquitous on the streets of India, filling betel leaves with shavings from an Areca nut along with candied fruit, fennel seeds, and/or rose preserve. At Punjab Grill, betel leaf is blended together with gulkand (a sweet preserve of rose petals) and ice cream. The shot can be made with or without rum, though I prefer it with as a nice after dinner drink. Here’s how to make it.
What You Need:
2 betel leaves
1 tsp gulkand
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 shot of rum
What to Do:
In a food processor, process the rum and betel leaves together until it’s as smooth as you can get it. Add in the ice cream and rum and pulse until combined. Strain if you desire. Serves 2-3 large shots.
Currently based out of Boston, Jesal is a blogger, freelance writer, yoga enthusiast and lifelong vegetarian who spent four years eating her way through New York City and various other cities around the globe. After answering hundreds of emails and phone calls answering the question, "Where's a cool place I can take my vegetarian friend out to eat" she started Veggiewala to efficiently share her knowledge of the vegetarian food scene with curious carnivores, flexitarians and other vegetarians.
are you sure that Rum is added ,i doubt it , i have been to Punjab grill couple of times but i never felt that Rum has been added in the paan shots. Another thing in India we have many people who do not consume alcohol due to religious reasons and i doubt that they can add Rum and serve to one and all .
Hi Aarti. No rum is added in the version served at Punjab Grill. As stated, it is made with only betel leaves, gulkund and ice cream. I added rum to my version because for those who consume alcohol, I thought it made a nice addition as part of an after-dinner drink. Hope that clarifies.