on Jan 15, 2021, Updated Dec 11, 2023 Here are some more refreshing Indian drinks that can be made at home: Nimbu Shikanji, Aam Panna, Jeera Soda, Jaljeera, and Kulukki. Yogurt (Dahi) is an integral part of Indian cuisine. No lunch in my home is complete without it in some form. Sometimes, I serve it plain with a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder and black salt. Some days, it’s a variety of raita, and on some days, it is a variety of buttermilk, commonly known as chaas in North India. Kathiyawadi Tadka Chaas (Gujarati), Taak (Maharashtrian), Sambaram (Kerala), Beetroot Chaas, and this Masala Chaas are variations of Indian buttermilk that I make very often. I make a pitcher full of this refreshing beverage to sip not only for lunch but any time of the day during the summer. It cools down the body and helps to beat the summer heat.
About Masala Chaas
Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk) is an Indian beverage made using yogurt (dahi), fresh herbs, and spices. It is yogurt diluted with water and then flavored using a few basic ingredients. It is an ideal summer drink as it has a cooling effect on the body. Chaas is also the perfect drink to serve after a heavy meal as it aids digestion. This masala chaas recipe needs no special skills. Dump all the ingredients into a blender and blend until combined. In this post, I share the recipe to make basic masala buttermilk.
Note – Traditionally, chaas or buttermilk was made by churning the milk. The butter was separated to make various dishes, and the leftover sour whey was made into masala chaach. Spices – You will need salt, black pepper powder, and roasted cumin powder. Make Roasted Cumin Powder at home using my recipe. Herbs – Cilantro (fresh coriander leaves) and fresh mint leaves give the buttermilk a refreshing feel. Do not skip adding these herbs. Replace regular salt with black salt for an earthy flavor. Add some chaat masala powder to your chaas for a nice spicy tang.
1 cup chilled plain yogurt 2 cups of chilled water ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder ½ teaspoon regular salt ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder 8-10 chopped mint leaves 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro (fresh coriander leaves)
Note – You can also blend the buttermilk ingredients with a hand blender. Add 3-4 ice cubes and blend for 2-3 minutes until a foam is formed on the top. Adding ice cubes while blending helps in making the foam quickly. Pour the chaas into serving glasses, add a few ice cubes, and serve chilled immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.