Spiced Chaas
A refreshing and savory yogurt-based drink, lightly spiced with ginger, green chili, and roasted cumin. This traditional Indian buttermilk is perfect for aiding digestion and cooling down on a hot day.
For 4 servings
Roast and grind the cumin
In a small pan over low heat, dry roast the cumin seeds for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and a few shades darker. Let them cool completely, then grind into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
Blend the chaas base
- In a large bowl or blender jar, add the yogurt.
- Whisk or blend on low speed until smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually add the chilled water while continuing to whisk to get a uniform, thin consistency.
- Stir in the grated ginger, chopped green chili, coriander leaves, mint leaves, ajwain, black salt, and the freshly ground cumin powder.
TIPFor a frothy texture, use a traditional wooden churner (mathani) or an immersion blender.Prepare the tempering
- Heat ghee in a small tadka pan over medium heat.
- Once the ghee is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the curry leaves and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds until the leaves turn crisp.
TIPBe careful as the curry leaves will splutter in the hot ghee. Stand back a little.Combine tempering with chaas
Immediately pour the hot tempering into the prepared chaas. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
Chill and serve
Let the chaas chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve cold, garnished with a few extra coriander or mint leaves.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use chilled water and yogurt for an instantly refreshing drink.
- 2For a smoother texture without bits of herbs, you can blend all the herbs and spices with a little yogurt first, then mix with the rest of the yogurt and water.
- 3Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency. Some prefer it thinner, others slightly thicker.
- 4Don't over-blend the yogurt, as it can sometimes separate and turn into butter.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Spiced Chaas is very healthy. It's a natural probiotic that aids digestion and improves gut health. It's also hydrating, low in calories, and the spices like ginger and cumin have digestive benefits, making it an excellent choice for overall wellness.
