How To Make Mehndi Paste

Everyone has their way of making mehndi and here's mine. First of all you need to start off with buying yourself a henna powder which you can usually find in one of your local Indian/Pakistani grocery shops.  You should always sift the powder before you start making the paste because when you make your cone you don't want bits coming out or twigs stopping your paste from flowing smoothly.

Once you are satisfied that there is nothing in the powder you need to make your liquid to help improve the colour of the mehndi.  You will need:

1. Cloves - 1 tbsp
2. Lemon juice - half or 1 tbsp
3. Instant Coffee - 2 tbsp

Boil the cloves and coffee in about 1 cup of water for about 10-15 minutes and then sift into a cup or container. Add the lemon juice. If you are using a fresh lemon make sure you don't get any pulp or seeds into the mixture. 

Using a normal table spoon just add about 2-4 spoonfuls to about half a cup of mehndi powder until you have a thick smooth paste. Once you are satisfied that there are no lumps in the paste add more liquid until the paste becomes as runny as, lets say, as heavy cream!

More to come stay tuned!

Naqsh-e-Henna