Plain Chaas
A light, refreshing Indian yogurt drink seasoned simply with salt and cumin. Whisked to a frothy, smooth consistency, this cooling digestive aid is the perfect companion to any meal, especially on a warm day.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Roast the cumin powder if not already done.
If using freshly ground cumin, dry roast a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a small pan over low heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Cool and grind to a fine powder. Skip this if using pre-roasted cumin powder.
- mix · ~2 min
Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
In a large bowl, whisk the chilled yogurt vigorously for about 2 minutes until it becomes completely smooth and slightly frothy. This ensures there are no lumps in the final drink.
TIPUse a wooden churner (madani) or an immersion blender for the most authentic frothy texture. - mix · ~2 min
Blend in water and seasonings.
Gradually pour in the chilled water while continuing to whisk. Add the roasted cumin powder and salt. Whisk everything together for another minute until well combined and a light foam forms on top.
- garnish · ~1 min
Garnish with fresh mint and serve immediately.
Pour the chaas into serving glasses. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh mint leaves on top. Serve chilled.
TIPFor extra aroma, rub a mint leaf around the rim of each glass before pouring.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use chilled yogurt and ice-cold water for the most refreshing chaas.
- 2Whisk the yogurt alone until silky smooth before adding water to prevent lumps.
- 3Roast whole cumin seeds and grind them fresh for a far more aromatic flavor.
- 4Adjust the salt and cumin to your taste; start with less and add more as needed.
- 5For a frothier texture, use an immersion blender or a traditional wooden churner (madani).
- 6Make chaas up to 4 hours ahead; stir or re-whisk briefly before serving.
- 7Rub a mint leaf around the rim of each glass for an extra burst of aroma.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced chaas
Add a pinch of black salt (kala namak), a pinch of chaat masala, and a few chopped green chilies for a tangy, mildly spicy variation that aids digestion.
herbed chaasHerbed chaas
Blend in 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves and 1 small green chili for a vibrant green, herb-forward drink perfect for hot afternoons.
fruit chaasFruit chaas
Blend in 1/2 cup of chopped mango or a few strawberries with the yogurt for a sweet, fruity chaas that doubles as a light dessert.
high protein chaasHigh-protein chaas
Replace 1 cup of water with cold milk and add a tablespoon of chia seeds before whisking for a more satiating, protein-rich drink.
vegan chaasVegan chaas
Use plain unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt in place of dairy yogurt, and adjust salt to taste for a fully plant-based version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Probiotic Support
Made with live-culture yogurt, this drink supplies beneficial probiotics that support gut health and digestion.
Hydration with Electrolytes
The combination of yogurt, water, and salt provides fluids and sodium, helping rehydrate without sugary additives.
Digestive Aid
Cumin is traditionally used in Indian cooking to stimulate digestive enzymes, while mint soothes the stomach.
Low Calorie & Light
With no added sugar or heavy cream, plain chaas is a light, low-calorie beverage suitable for weight management.
Rich in Calcium
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, unsweetened coconut or almond milk yogurt works well; just whisk until smooth and adjust salt and cumin to taste.
