INDIAN SPICED BUTTERMILK / MASALA CHAAS

 During summer, the most refreshing drink to have is buttermilk. By diluting curd/ yogurt you get buttermilk and to make it more tasty, add some spices. You can refrigerate it and have it cool to beat the heat during the hot summer days. Masala Chaas is the salted version of buttermilk which is simple but very effective drink for the summer season in India. It is famous in all the states of India with different names and some variations are there in preparation too. In Tamil it is known as Neer Mor, Sambharam in Malayalam, Chaas in Hindi and Taak in Marathi. It is cool, low fat and healthy refreshing summer drink. Worth trying this summer. A great thirst quencher on a hot day. Traditionally buttermilk is made with yogurt but not in mixer or blender but it is blended in a pot with an instrument called Ravi / Whipper. Remove the butter on the top and the remaining liquid which is left is chaas / buttermilk. You can improve this buttermilk and add your own spices to make it more tasty.   

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Yogurt

1 Cup Cold Water

Ice Cubes as needed

Few Mint leaves

1 tablespoon Coriander, chopped

¼ teaspoon Rock Salt / Kala Namak

1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder

½ teaspoon Sugar

For garnishing:

Few Mint Leaves

Coriander Leaves

1 Slit Green Chilli

Pinch of Cumin Powder

Pinch of Black Pepper Powder

METHOD:

STEP 1 – In a mixer jar, add yogurt, cold water, ice cubes, cumin powder, black pepper powder, sugar, rock salt and ½ green chilli.

STEP 2 – Blend it for 1-2 minutes or until frothy.

STEP 3 – Adjust salt and pour in glass.

STEP 4 – Sprinkle some cumin and black pepper powder. Garnish with few mint and coriander leaves and serve chilled.