Stay hydrated this summer with our homemade buttermilk recipes
What could be more soothing than a chilled glass of buttermilk in the summers?
The subject of many memes, "Stay Hydrated" actually is also just good advice. Dehydration is common during summers, even if you are inside your house, which is why it is important to consume adequate amounts of water throughout the day. But you can always mix things up a little to make it interesting. To that end, chaas, or buttermilk, is an excellent choice. Made with curd, it not only helps cool the body down but is also good for your gut health.
"Buttermilk provides probiotics which are 'friendly' bacteria that help in d warding away diseases and keeping the intestines healthy by introducing microbes, therefore improving immunity. It is lower in fat and calories and higher in water than both milk and yoghurt. This makes it advantageous for weight watchers and in replacing lost body fluids," she adds.
Instead of mixing curd with plain water and salt, give the lip-smacking chaas a shot. In fact, you can even add spices and condiments to spruce it up. Here are a few recipes for you to try.
Mint chaas/buttermilk
Pudina chaas is a refreshing Indian drink that acts as the perfect coolant. Mint buttermilk aids in good digestion and also acts as a detoxing drink. Mint is known to calm the stomach and helps in coping with stomach pain and indigestion. It also helps to cure nausea and headaches.
Ingredients
1 cup yogurt (dahi/curd)
¼ tsp black pepper powder
¼ tsp salt
2 cups cold water
1 tbsp mint leaves (chopped)
Method
Blend all the ingredients in a blender and serve.
Beetroot buttermilk/cukandara chaas
Beetroot buttermilk or cukandara chaas is an easy, quick beverage that boosts energy, helps reduce blood pressure and is a great purifier.
Ingredients
½ cup plain yogurt/curd/dahi
2 cups water
Salt to taste
To grind
1/4 cup chopped beetroot
1 green chilli
½ tsp chopped ginger
4 stalks coriander leaves
4 stalks mint leaves
Method
Peel and chop the beetroot and grind together with green chilli, ginger, coriander leaves, mint leaves.
In a wide bowl whisk curd/yogurt well, add water, salt, beetroot paste and mix well. Strain and serve.
Cumin chaas/buttermilk
Cumin seeds contain naturally occurring substances that work as antioxidants. Cumin chaas can help control blood sugar and fight bacteria and parasites.
Ingredients
1 cup yogurt
¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
1 tsp salt
2 cups cold water
1 tsp roasted cumin powder
1 tsp coriander leaves (chopped)
Method
Blend all the ingredients in a blender and serve.
Sattu chaas/buttermilk
Sattu chaas not only acts as a coolant but also improves bowel movement. Consuming sattu on an empty stomach improves the digestive tract and flushes out toxins. It is also known to increase appetite and energy.
Ingredients
2 tbsp barley sattu
1 ½ cup water
1 cup yoghurt
1 tsp ginger juice
½ tsp roasted cumin powder
¼ tsp fresh black pepper powder
1 tsp chaat masala
Method
Add all the ingredients to a blender and mix well.
Pour in a tall glass and serve chilled.
Neer mor/spiced buttermilk
This spiced buttermilk recipe, also known as neeru moru, is a great summer cooler. It helps to overcome heat during the summer season, reduces blood pressure and helps to recover from dehydration.
Ingredients
½ cup plain yogurt/curd/dahi
2 cups water
To taste salt
To grind
1 green chili
½ tsp chopped ginger
4 stalks coriander leaves
6 curry leaves
To temper
½ tsp oil
Small pinch asafoetida/hing
¼ tsp mustard seeds
4 to 5 curry leaves
Method
Grind green chilli, ginger, coriander leaves, curry leaves coarsely. In a wide bowl whisk curd/yogurt well, add water, salt and mix well, add grounded mixture and mix well.
To prepare tempering, heat oil in a small pan, add hing, mustard seeds, curry leaves and let it splutter. Pour this over the buttermilk.
Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Check out Tastemade India's 3 ways buttermilk recipe
Tarvene Shahpuri
Tarvene is a chocolate and chai fiend who is constantly on the hunt for cute cafes. You can catch her baking some Biscoff cheesecakes or binge-watching Netflix shows. She likes filling up her free time painting, listening to music or going on long drives.