Jamu is an amazing medicinal tonic I learned to make in Bali. Originally from Java, this turmeric and ginger-based drink improves digestions, skin and is an anti-inflamitory. It's a pain in the butt to make, but worth it! Be careful, the turmeric stains your hands and pots.
Jamu Recipe
Makes about 3 large mason jars (or less if you like it strong and boil longer)
Half the recipe or find a friend to share as this recipe is too much for 1 person to consume in a week.
Turmeric: 130 Grams (gently peel the nobs off and then weigh)
Ginger: 80-120 Grams depending if its strong or weak variety (gently peeled and then weighed)
Galangal: 40 Grams (can buy dry or frozen)
Lemongrass: 30 GRAMS (1 long or 2 short)
Cardamom Pods 15
Star Anise 1
Cinnamon Stick 4 GRAMS (or 3 inch stick)
Black Peppercorns: 20
Honey ¾ cup (less if you find it to sweet)
Tamarind Paste 80 GRAMS
Lemons: ¼ cup (about two lemons, but add more if you like)
Pandan Leaf Little piece (optional if you can find)
Step 1
- Gently peel the turmeric and ginger (organic if you can) and remove big bumps..doesn’t need to be completely peeled. Weigh it AFTER you have removed some of the skin. Add to blender
- Next, roughly chop up the lemongrass, galangan and add to the blender. Add the star anise
- In mortar/pestle smash up the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and add to blender
- Blend it all roughly together
- Boil 6-7 litres of water
- Add the mixture to the hot water. Turn down and simmer for 90 minutes to 2 hours. The more you boil it down, the stronger it is. You decide!
- 30 minutes before you expect to be done add hot water to the tamarind paste in a small bowl and mash it up with a fork.
- 15 minutes before you expect to be done add the tamarind. ADD the peppercorns now!
- When you are ready to stop, add the lemons and take off the stove.
- When cool, add the honey.
- Let sit.
- Strain well
- Pour into mason jars
- Keep in fridge
Always stir the jamu in a clockwise direction. Always think good healing thoughts while you make it.
You control the water level depending on whether or not you like it strong or weak.
The anti-inflammatory power of turmeric is only good for 6 days after you make it. You can drink it after that but it doesn't work it's magic.
Don’t drink more than 100 ML a day, particularly if you boil it down a lot.
Summer, add ice. Winter, you can heat it up.
I'm noticing that Jamu is starting to show up in North America! I started making it and delivering it in Ottawa with a friend who is still making it. Check her out on instagram @ Djamu Spirit.
Also, live in New York? You are lucky. Go HERE