Ways to Cook with Kava
It is a common knowledge for kava aficionados that kava shouldn’t be heated beyond 120 degrees since it can make your drink taste too bitter and unpleasant. However, this doesn’t stop a lot of kava aficionados from experimenting with kava as an ingredient for cooking. Although it is almost impossible to find ready-made food products containing kava, you could surely enjoy its goodness with your favourite treat if you know how to prepare it.
If you’re bored with the usual kava drink or tea and you’re looking for some unique ideas to consume it, here are some of the great ways to cook with kava.
Kava Choco
Kava and chocolate are a perfect combination. Both give a relaxing and de-stressing effects when consumed in any form. If you want the goodness of both, you could actually mix them and cook kava chocolate. It is easy to make and uses only a few ingredients, making it economical to try out. First, mix a tablespoon of micronized kava in vegetable fat to obtain an oily paste. Then, melt dark chocolate and mix the kava extract into it until it is well blended. Place into moulds and it would be ready to serve when it cools down.
Spiced Kava Chai
If you’re looking for a new way to drink kava, try this spiced kava chai recipe. First, mix a tablespoon of kava powder in a cup of water. You could add more kava powder if you prefer a stronger taste. Simmer this mixture and add spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Let it boil slowly for 5 minutes. After, strain the liquid to remove the spice chunks and kava pulp. You could add sweeteners such as sugar, honey, or milk to your spiced kava chai depending on your flavour preference. This drink is just so perfect during cold nights since it would warm you up effectively.
Kava Ice Cream
If you prefer chilled treats than warm drinks, kava ice cream is a must-try recipe for you. It combines the creaminess of ice cream and the relaxing and euphoric effects of kava, making it a perfect treat if you want to relax. To make this sweet treat, first you need to create the ice cream base where you could mix kava. In a pot, mix together a cup of milk, two cups of cream, and a cup of sugar.
Cook it over low heat to dissolve the particles properly. On a separate container, whisk the egg yolks and slowly pour in the milk mixture and mix completely. Heat it until it thickens before adding quality kava powder into the mixture. Blend well and place in the freezer or an ice cream maker. Once frozen, you can now enjoy a deliciously sweet and relaxing treat perfect after a long day.
Consuming kava doesn’t need to be that boring. You can actually experiment with in by preparing in different ways and see which one suits your taste buds perfectly.
