Indian buttermilk, or chaas, can be made by stirring yoghurt (curd) with water and adding some spiciness to the drink through cumin, salt, and mint. Or the fresh buttermilk obtained after churning butter can also be used to make this refreshing and energetic drink. Since cooling is the main benefit derived from chaas, it is very helpful during the summer. Electrolytes and nutrients from the body that are easily lost through perspiration can be replaced by this drink and therefore it becomes a shield against sunstroke and dehydration. Chaas also supports gut health in that it digests food through its probiotic content.
Let us discuss the most refreshing beverage of the summer season:
1. Masala Chaas:
Masala chaas is a delightful beverage made from a blend of curd, water, and various spices, perfect for serving during the summer months. It offers a mild spiciness enhanced by the addition of mint leaves, cumin powder, and coriander, creating a refreshing and satisfying drink. Masala chaas serves as a tasty thirst-quencher, ideal for hot summer days.
Video Credit: YouTube/ Kabita's Kitchen
2. Beetroot Chaas:
Beetroot chaas is a refreshing summer drink made by blending curds with beetroot, mint leaves, and spices. As temperatures soar, it's crucial to stay hydrated, especially in hot cities and villages. Beetroot chaas, similar to masala chaas, is particularly nutritious. It provides a refreshing option to stay hydrated during scorching summer days, reminiscent of traditional South Indian neer mor made by blending yoghurt with spices and fresh coconut water.
3. Pudina Chaas:
Pudina Chaas, or buttermilk with mint flavour, has a cool, energising taste that is delightful. It is made by blending fresh mint leaves with buttermilk, seasoning with salt and adding cumin. A smooth texture is ensured by straining the mixture. Pudina Chaas becomes essential in the summer because of its capacity to ward off heat and maintain body temperature. Together with the hydration and probiotics from the buttermilk, the natural cooling qualities of the cooling mint combine to create a tasty and nourishing drink. It helps with digestion, restores electrolytes, and offers a much-needed break from the heat.
4. Jeera Chaas:
Buttermilk with cumin, or jeera chaas, has a light, somewhat earthy warmth to it. To prepare it first, stir together yoghurt, water, roasted jeera powder, salt, and a little mint. Add fresh coriander as a garnish after blending until smooth. Because of its cooling qualities, which promote digestion and hydration, Jeera Chaas is essential in the summer. It's a delicious and calming beverage to beat the heat because of the cumin content, which helps control body temperature and also helps in digestion.
Also Read: 5 Off-Beat Chaas Recipes For Summer
5. Hing Chaas:
Hing chaas is perhaps a better term for a distinctively savoury, sour buttermilk. It is made by mixing yoghurt and water with a pinch of asafoetida. To spice it up, add salt, cumin, or mint as a garnishing agent. Alongside giving their taste a certain distinctiveness, asafoetida also accelerates healthy digestion, ensuring you remain cool during hot summer days.
6. Smoked Chaas:
Smoked chaas is a unique variation of the traditional chaas, a refreshing Indian yoghurt-based drink. To prepare smoked chaas, yoghurt is blended with fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, salt, and ginger to form a smooth mixture. Water is then added to thin out the mixture. Next, a small steel bowl containing hot coal is placed inside a larger bowl, and the prepared buttermilk mixture is poured into the larger bowl. Curry leaves, green chilies, and cumin seeds are placed over the hot coal, and oil is poured over them. The large bowl is then covered with aluminium foil and left for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Afterward, the foil is removed, and the smoked chaas is strained and poured into serving glasses, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
7. Cucumber Chaas:
Cucumber chaas is a refreshing Indian drink blending curds, water, cucumber, mint, green chilies, cumin, coriander, and salt. To prepare, blend curds and water for buttermilk, then mix with a cucumber-mint-chilli puree and spices. Serve chilled, garnished with coriander, for a cooling beverage ideal for hot weather. Its customisable recipe allows for experimentation with spices and quantities. Enjoy the refreshing taste while potentially benefiting from its weight-loss properties too.
