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Tanka Torani is Odisha’s answer to beating the summer heat — a cool, probiotic-rich drink made from fermented rice water. This traditional beverage is not just refreshing but also deeply rooted in Odia culture, served as part of the sacred Mahaprasad at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
At its core, Tanka Torani is made by soaking cooked rice in water and letting it ferment naturally for 12–14 hours. The resulting rice water, or torani, is then blended with curd for creaminess and enhanced with crushed mango ginger, green chilies, lemon juice, roasted cumin-chili powder, curry leaves, and Gondhoraj lemon leaves. Served chilled, this drink is the perfect mix of tangy, spicy, and soothing.
Beyond its taste, Tanka Torani is a powerhouse of health benefits. As a natural probiotic, it aids digestion and promotes gut health by supporting good bacteria like Lactobacillus. The drink is packed with essential vitamins (B1, B2, B6) and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making it a natural energy booster and hydration hero during the scorching heat. It also supports skin health, both when consumed and applied topically.
Traditionally stored in earthen pots to keep it naturally cool, Tanka Torani is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual of nourishment, spirituality, and summer comfort passed down through generations in Odisha .
Health Benefits of Rice Water (Torani)
1. Hydration Boost
Torani helps replenish lost fluids during hot summer days. Its natural electrolyte content, including potassium and magnesium, supports hydration and fluid balance in the body, especially during heatwaves.
2. Packed with Nutrients
Rice water is rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6), magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. Fermentation enhances the availability of these nutrients. It also contains amino acids that support tissue repair and growth.
3. Natural Energy Drink
Thanks to its easily digestible carbohydrates, Torani provides a quick energy boost, which is essential during high temperatures when the body is under extra stress.
4. Supports Digestion
Torani has probiotic properties that promote healthy gut bacteria like Lactobacillus. It soothes the stomach, aids digestion, and helps manage indigestion or diarrhea aggravated by summer heat.
5. Skin Hydration and Protection
Drinking rice water helps maintain skin moisture from within. It also soothes sunburn and heat-induced skin irritation when applied topically.
Tanka Torani Recipe: How to Make It at Home
Ingredients:
Cooked rice – ½ cup
Water – 3 cups
Curd – ½ cup
Crushed mango ginger – ½ inch
Curry leaves – 10–12
Gondhoraj lemon leaves – 5–6
Slit green chilies – 3
Lemon slices – 1
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Roasted dry chili-cumin powder – 1 tsp
Salt – to taste
Method:
Soak the cooked rice in 3 cups of water in a clean pot.
Let it ferment for 12–14 hours at room temperature.
Roughly mash the rice in the water, then strain the fermented liquid.
To this strained water, add all the ingredients listed above.
Lightly mash the herbs and spices with clean hands to release their flavors.
Mix well and serve chilled in glasses or earthen cups for an authentic touch.
