Rusa is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink made with a combination of spices, herbs, and sweeteners. It is known for its warming and aromatic flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make a basic Rusa drink:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 3-4 pandan leaves (if available)
- 2 lemongrass stalks, smashed and cut into smaller pieces
- 4-6 cloves
- 4-6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 slices of fresh ginger
- 1-2 slices of fresh galangal (optional)
- 1-2 pandanus leaves (optional)
- 1-2 star anise (optional)
- Sugar or honey to taste
- Condensed milk or coconut milk (optional)
- Slices of lime or lemon for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spices and Herbs:
- Gather all the spices and herbs, including pandan leaves, lemongrass, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, ginger, galangal, pandanus leaves, and star anise.
- Boil the Water:
- In a large saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the Spices and Herbs:
- Once the water is boiling, add all the spices and herbs to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Simmer and Infuse:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors of the spices and herbs to infuse into the water.
- Sweeten the Rusa:
- After simmering, sweeten the Rusa to taste with sugar or honey. Start with about 2-3 tablespoons of sugar or honey and adjust according to your preference. Stir well to dissolve.
- Strain the Rusa:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the Rusa into serving cups or glasses to remove the solid spices and herbs. You can use a fine-mesh sieve or a cloth for straining.
- Optional Additions:
- Some variations of Rusa include condensed milk or coconut milk for creaminess. You can add a splash of either of these if desired.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish each cup or glass with a slice of lime or lemon. Serve your Rusa drink hot.
Rusa is known for its warm and soothing qualities, making it a popular choice for cool or rainy days. The combination of spices and herbs gives it a unique and aromatic flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and sweetness to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade Rusa drink!