Degchi
Kewra water
Also written: kewda, keora, screwpine essence
- Urduکیوڑہ
- Hindiकेवड़ा
Kewra water is a clear, strongly scented essence made from the flowers of the screwpine plant. It smells sweet and floral, a bit like rose with something greener underneath, and it is sold in small bottles because very little goes a long way.
In our recipe library it shows up as an optional finish for biryani. Chicken Biryani suggests drizzling saffron soaked in warm milk or a little kewra water over the rice before sealing the pot, and Kacchi Biryani Dhaka mentions a splash between the layers, sometimes along with soaked dried plums. It is also a traditional scent in kheer and other milk sweets.
Use it by the few drops or the half teaspoon, not the spoonful. Sprinkle it over the layers just before the lid goes on for dum so the steam spreads the aroma, or stir a few drops into a sweet once it has come off the heat. Heat for a long time drives the fragrance away, and too much tastes like soap or perfume.
If you have none, skip it rather than reaching for a substitute with a different personality; saffron milk or a little rose water gives a different but pleasant result. Store the bottle closed, away from sunlight and the stove.
Recipes that use it
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