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Isubgul sharbat
Psyllium lemon drink
ইসবগুলের শরবত (isubgul-er shorbot): psyllium husk and lemon water for breaking the fast
Many Bangladeshi grandmothers insist on a glass of isubgul sharbat at iftar or before sehri, and in Dhaka's old neighbourhoods it is sold from shops alongside tokma and lebu sharbat throughout Ramadan; the psyllium is valued for keeping digestion comfortable during the fast. Stirred into sweetened lemon water, the husk swells into a soft, slightly thick drink with a mild, neutral taste. The classic mistake is letting it stand: psyllium keeps absorbing water and sets into a jelly within minutes, so mix it just before drinking. Drink plenty of water as well, and anyone taking regular medication should space it at least two hours away from psyllium. Chef's tip: sprinkle the husk on top and whisk immediately with a fork rather than spooning it in a heap, so it disperses without lumps.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar or jaggeryto taste
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tsp psyllium husk (isubgul)
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Method
0/3 doneStep 1: Stir 2 tbsp sugar or jaggery and 1 pinch salt into 2 cups cold water until dissolved, then add 2 tbsp lemon juice.
2 minStep 2: Sprinkle 2 tsp psyllium husk (isubgul) over the surface and whisk straight away with a fork for 20 seconds until evenly suspended.
1 minStep 3: Pour into glasses and drink within 2–3 minutes, before it thickens to a jelly.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 60 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 15 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does isubgul sharbat take?
- About 5 minutes in total.
- How many people does it serve?
- 2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of lemon juice?
- Lime juice, same amount.
- What can I use instead of sugar or jaggery?
- Dark brown or muscovado sugar, same amount.
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