Handvo, Coriander Mint Chutney and Masala Chaas

Ingredients

• 2 cup Coriander Leaves (Packed, with tender stems)
• 1 cup Mint Leaves (Packed, stems discarded)
• 3 whole Green Chilies (Adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 inch Ginger (Peeled and roughly chopped)
• 3 clove Garlic (Peeled)
• 2 tbsp Roasted Chana Dal (Also known as Dalia or Bhuna Chana)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 0.5 tsp Chaat Masala
• 0.5 tsp Black Salt (Also known as Kala Namak)
• 0.5 tsp Sugar (Optional, helps balance the tanginess)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 3 whole Ice Cubes (Or use 3-4 tbsp of ice-cold water)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Herbs (3 minutes)

   • Thoroughly wash the coriander and mint leaves under cold running water to remove any grit or dirt.
   • Pluck the mint leaves from their stems; discard the thicker stems as they can be bitter.
   • For the coriander, use both the leaves and the tender upper stems, which are packed with flavor. Roughly chop the bunch.
2. 2

   Combine Ingredients in Blender (2 minutes)

   • Place the washed coriander and mint leaves into a high-speed blender jar.
   • Add the green chilies (broken in half), chopped ginger, garlic cloves, roasted chana dal, lemon juice, chaat masala, black salt, sugar (if using), and salt.
3. 3

   Blend to a Smooth Paste (2 minutes)

   • Add the ice cubes or 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water. Using ice is highly recommended as it prevents the herbs from oxidizing and helps maintain a vibrant green color.
   • Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the jar as needed, until you achieve a completely smooth, uniform paste.
   • Avoid over-blending, as the heat from the motor can darken the chutney. If the mixture is too thick, add one more tablespoon of cold water and pulse briefly to combine.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Curd (Plain, full-fat yogurt recommended)
• 2.5 cup Water (Chilled)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped)
• 1 tbsp Mint Leaves (Freshly chopped)
• 0.5 inch Ginger (Peeled and roughly chopped)
• 1 pc Green Chili (Optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
• 0.75 tsp Kala Namak (Also known as black salt)
• 0.5 tsp Chaat Masala
• 0.25 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Ghee (For optional tempering)
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds (For optional tempering)
• 0.25 tsp Hing (Asafoetida, for optional tempering)
• 5 pc Curry Leaves (For optional tempering)

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the Chaas Base

   • In a large blender jar, combine the curd, chilled water, chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves, ginger, and green chili (if using).
   • Add the roasted cumin powder, kala namak, chaat masala, and salt.
   • Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and slightly frothy on top.
2. 2

   Prepare the Tempering (Tadka - Optional)

   • Heat ghee in a small tadka pan over medium heat. The ghee is ready when a mustard seed sizzles upon contact.
   • Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
   • Turn off the heat and immediately add the hing and curry leaves. Be cautious as the leaves will crackle. Swirl the pan for 10 seconds until the leaves are crisp.
3. 3

   Combine and Chill

   • Pour the hot tempering directly into the blended chaas. You will hear a satisfying sizzle. Stir well to incorporate the aromatic flavors.
   • For the best taste, cover and refrigerate the chaas for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.