Paan

Eating mouth sweetener Paan is a tradition in southeast Asian cuisine. It is usually taken after meal. It is full of colors, flavors and aroma.

Though its own flavor gives it a specific distinction in Asian cuisine and many other dishes are based on its peculiar flavor such as Paan Kulfi (Ice Cream), Paan Kheer ( Rice Pudding), Paan chocolate, Paan Zarda (Sweet Rice), Paan Khopra Laddo ( Cocconut Sweet Balls), Paan Candy etc, are also there to welcome the taste buds of Paan lovers.

Because some people have its strong addiction, that is why it is widely popular and always in high demand in the said region. But I must say that excess of everything is harmful. I also like its flavor but I eat it occasionally, in fact, rarely ( Well ! I think last time I ate it, 6-7 years past. Oooops !!!)

Paan is actually a "Leaf". It is in fact, Betel Leaf. It is filled with chopped betel (Areca) nut (Areca Catechu) and slaked lime (Chuna; calcium hydroxide), to which assorted other ingredients, including red Katha paste (made from the khair tree may be added.

The Paan makers serve fillings that can range from candied fruit, raisins, to Mukhwas ( Mukhwas is a mix of colorful candied seeds and nuts, such as fennel, sesame, coconut, and anise.) Alongside the Mukhwas are cardamom, saffron, sometimes Gulkand ( a jam or chutney of red rose) and a dash of dried fruits.

Often, each leaf will contain more than a dozen of these sweet, chewy,  ingredients. Other ingredients involved are  roasted coconut, Areca nut, slaked lime paste, and even edible silver leaf. The filling is very eye catching and attractive.

Paan is served folded into a triangle ( Gilori) or rolled. But now a days, you can find an elaborate counter with experts displaying various styles of paan.

Usually Paan is kept in a metallic (Silver) pot called "Paan-Daan". It is so beautifully designed pot specially for placing Paans and its stuffing of different kind. It looks like a traditional decoration piece with lots of cultural value. To kept this chamber neat and clean is a must.

 Presenting Paan is also a meaningful high class "Art" in this region. It is also considered a sign of respect and a symbol of hospitality in many regions that is why it is served to the honorable guests.

Paan has many medicinal values. Paan helps digest food easily.  It is known for curing diseases caused by air and bile. Health experts believe that betel leaf juice was earlier prescribed as a remedy for infected ears. It is also used as an antiseptic, digestive aid, and mouth freshener.

But keep in mind that  regular consumption of Paan with Areca nuts and tobacco can lead to oral cancer. Paan alone is harmless and rather healthy.  It can result in tooth and gum decay, and the Areca nut has been linked to certain cancers.

There are many types of Paan and lot of its varieties available that are equally tasty. The list includes Sada Paan, Meetha Paan ( also known as Calcutta Paan), Banarsi Paan, Maghi Paan, Silver Paan, Fire Paan, Tobacco Paan, Maughlai Paan, Rasmalai Paan, Chocolate Paan, Pineapple Paan, Cherry Paan, Jelly Paan, Zafrani Meetha Paan etc.

Here, I am gonna share a basic recipe of Meetha (Sweet) Paan :

Ingredients :
Paan(Betel leaves) – 1 no
Paan Katha (just spread over leaf's inner surface)
Gulkand – 1 tsp (Store brought)
Mukhwaas – 1 tsp
(You can add all "Mukhwaas" ingredients as per your choice)
Sweetened coconut flakes – 1/2 tsp
Chopped dried dates 1 Tbsp
Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp
tutti- frutti ( red, green, yellow, orange) Optional 2 Tbsp
Glazed cherries – few, To garnish
Toothpick – few, To seal

Instructions :
 Wash and pat dry the betel them using kitchen towel.Fold the leaf and slit the backside hard stalk of the Paan leaf through out the halfway.
At this point, you can spread little lime on the leaf. But try not to use. I would never recommend it, honestly. Spead Paan Katha paste on the inner side of leaf which is the base of Paan.
Now roll one edge of the pan to form the cone shape. Like wise also roll the another edge to form a proper cone to keep all the ingredients.

Now add Gulkand, Mukhwas, coconut flakes and pinch of cardamom powder and all above said ingredients to form a healthy stuffing or filling.
Close it and place the glazed cherry on top of Meetha pan and then insert the toothpick.
Enjoy!

Here are some delicious Paan flavored fusion desserts to sooth your sweet tooth.
Paan Matka Qulfi :

Paan Kheer :

Paan Shake :

Paan Cake :

Paan Coconut Laddoo :

Paan Ice Cream :

Paan Pudding :

Pineapple Paan Dessert :

Fire Paan :

Paan Ludhiyana Special :

Paan Calcutta :

Paan Chocolate :

Paan Jello :

Paan Thandai :

Paan Mousse :

Paan Lassi :

Paan Sharbat :

Paan Cheesecake :

Just PAAN !!!