Masala Chaas is a refreshing drink made with yogurt or curd. It’s often made during hot summer days to cool down and lower body temperature. This spiced buttermilk recipe is a tasty twist on the classic drink. It’s often served after meals to help with digestion and soothe the palate, especially when eaten with spicy food.
When the summer heat hits, there’s nothing like a sip of spiced buttermilk, also known as Masala Chaas. As it gets hotter, I love this traditional and refreshing drink. Though I’ve shared cucumber smoothie, thandai, and sol kadhi recipes, this spiced buttermilk comes from my mother-in-law. My son Devansh and I love curd, so lunch usually includes a bowl of it. But at dinner, we prefer chaas – a light, flavorful drink. I keep it simple with black salt and cumin powder, but my husband Kalpesh likes his mom’s special spiced buttermilk, full of coriander and mint flavors. Since my mother-in-law is visiting, my husband asked her to make this delicious drink.
Benefits of Spiced Buttermilk
Summer means staying hydrated, and spiced buttermilk is perfect for that. It not only quenches thirst but also has many health benefits. For instance, this drink is great for soothing the stomach after spicy meals. Buttermilk, the base of this beverage, is a natural probiotic that promotes a healthy gut and aids digestion. Additionally, its cooling effect is perfect for hot weather.
Coriander in this drink adds vitamins A and C, boosting the immune system and eyesight. Moreover, mint leaves help with digestion, reduce inflammation, and cool the body. Furthermore, powdered cumin seeds also aid digestion, making this drink a summer hero. So, having spiced buttermilk after meals helps with digestion and cooling down from spicy food.
Ingredients for Indian Spiced Buttermilk
Ingredients for Indian Spiced Buttermilk
The ingredients of masala chaas give it a unique taste and health benefits. Here are the key components:
- Mint: Mint leaves add a fresh flavor and help with digestion.
- Coriander: Coriander leaves add vitamins and a fresh taste.
- Cumin Seeds: Roasted cumin seeds powder adds a nutty flavor and helps with digestion.
- Ginger: Grated ginger adds spiciness and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper powder adds warmth and enhances flavor.
- Chilies: Green chilies add mild spiciness and boost metabolism.
Choosing Health Over Commercial Drinks
As it gets hotter, sugary and artificially flavored drinks are tempting. However, I choose homemade spiced buttermilk. With coriander, mint leaves, and ginger, this drink quenches my thirst and revitalizes me. It’s a wholesome alternative to store-bought drinks with additives. Thus, a glass of homemade buttermilk offers the perfect blend of spices and cooling effects, making it the ultimate summer refreshment.
In a season where staying hydrated is crucial, this spiced buttermilk is a delicious and healthy option. With a mix of flavors and nutrients, this traditional Indian drink shows that the best refreshments are homemade. Consequently, as I sip my homemade drink, I enjoy knowing I’m making a choice that quenches my thirst and nourishes my body.
What is the best time to have Masala Chaas?
The best time for masala chaas varies by preference. It’s commonly enjoyed:
- During Hot Weather: Masala chaas is perfect for cooling down in hot weather.
- Post-Meals: Many enjoy masala chaas after meals for digestion help.
- Midday Energy Boost: Masala chaas is a healthy afternoon energy booster.
- As a Snack Accompaniment: It pairs well with snacks, enhancing the taste.
- Pre-Workout: It’s a hydrating and light pre-workout option with essential electrolytes.
Ultimately, the best time for this drink depends on individual preferences and lifestyle.
Use this masala chaas recipe to make spiced buttermilk and stay cool this summer. Enjoy the benefits of masala chaas over store-bought drinks.
Step by Step Recipe: Masala Chaas
Masala Chaas / Spiced Buttermilk Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixer Grinder
Ingredients
- 1 and half cup curd
- 2 cups water
- 12-14 leaves of mint pudina
- coriander same quantity as milk
- 2 green chilies 1 if chili is dark/hot
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin seeds powder jeera powder
- 1 large pinch black pepper powder
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Add water in curd and churn to make buttermilk. (We use cow milk to make curd so we need to use more curd. You can use 1 cup curd if you have sour, thick curd at home.)
- Deseed chilies, chop them, add them in the mixer’s jar.
- Add mint leaves and coriander leaves, and blend to make a coarse paste. (Don't chop the coriander or mint leaves before grinding them.)
- Add the paste, grated ginger, jeera powder, black pepper powder, and salt to the buttermilk, and mix well.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Instead of adding all table salt, you can add half Himalayan black salt (Kala namak) and half table salt.
- You can give masala chaas to toddlers and younger kids by filtering out the masala by using a strainer.
- Use light-colored chili and reduce the quantity of chili and black pepper powder. You can avoid adding them altogether if the toddlers are not used to even mildly spicy food.
- If you don’t have enough time to make masala chaas but don’t want to have plain buttermilk, you can enhance it’s flavour by simply adding homemade chaas masala powder. Click here to view the recipe of chaas masala powder.
