It all started with a craving for some meetha (sweet) paan. Since I moved to US, I have searched for a place to get good paan. Not the pre-packaged, chemical laden version you get in a store, but a freshly made one. Finally I decided to attempt in making some on my own. Gulkand is the main ingredients of a meetha paan and can be easily found at any Indian stores (and Amazon), unless your really particular like me, then you just have to make your own at home.

In my last trip to India I made it a point to chat with the local Paanwala and charm my way to get his secret recipe. You will be surprised by how charming dollar bills are to them! So here is his secret recipe, ssshhh! don’t tell anyone.

Time for Prep: 20 mins     Time to get done: 6-10 days      Yield: 10 oz     Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rose petals – I bought a bunch of  light pink roses from the local farmers market.
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp honey (I used local wild flower honey)
• Rose essence (Optional)

Process:

1. Wash and dry the rose petals and roughly chop them.
2. Sterilize a masons jar (or any Glass jar).
3. Spread a layer of the rose petals, followed by a layer of sugar, drizzle a little honey.
4. Repeat step 3 till all petals are over.
5. Close the jar and place it in sunlight 3 weeks for only 6 hours everyday. Every couple of days turn the jar upside down so that all contents really integrate well.
6. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes:

• The more fragrant the roses, better flavor and aroma of Gulkand.
• It tastes wonderful on a piece of toast as well.