Masala Chaas is a Classic Summer Indian Drink made with Yogurt (Dahi) and spiced up with flavourful roasted Cumin Seed Powder and Chaat Masala. It is a salty version of the sweeter version (Lassi). In India Chaas is also known as Buttermilk, and due to hot Indian climate, it is consumed almost throughout the year with meals. Some people drink it on its own as a beverage.
As per traditional way of making chaas, It contains raw milk, cream (malai) or yogurt which is blended manually in a pot with an instrument called madhani (whipper). If using milk or cream, the butter which comes on top is filtered with a piece of cloth, and the remaining milk-based liquid which is left is known as chhaas or buttermilk. It is the old method which our ancestors used to use.
Now a days, we take a good yogurt, spiced up with flavours ginger, cumin and spices, blend in an electronic mixer, chill and have it. In my house, chaas is a regular drink during summers. I generally do several variations in my home-made chaas. Sometimes I make this masala chaas by adding one more ingredient and that is Pudina Leaves (Mint). Curd/ Dahi/ Yogurt and mint (pudina) are body coolants and so their combination would double the cooling properties in this traditional drink. North Indians and South Indians makes this buttermilk in their own style.
Curd/ Dahi/ Yogurt and mint (pudina) are body coolants and so their combination would double the cooling properties. It is good to note that chaas also aids in digestion.
Chaas is also a street food and in many Indian cities you will find vendors selling this spiced buttermilk, especially in the hot summers. No one can stop with just one glass of this tantalizing version of buttermilk. The main spice which brings a tremendous taste to refresh this drink is cumin seed powder, hence it reserves a special place. Try it in your home and serve this refreshing drink on hot summer afternoons and watch your family’s energy levels rise instantly. It is good to note that chaas also aids in digestion. However, remember this is more of a day-drink.
How to make Masala Chaas Recipe:
Masala Chaas Recipe is a Refreshing Summer Indian Drink made with Yogurt (Dahi) and spiced up with flavourful roasted Cumin Seed Powder and Chaat Masala.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh curd (dahi), whisked
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt (sanchal)
- 2 black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1-1/2 teaspoon black salt
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/2 inch ginger
- Few coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
Instructions
- Roast cumin seeds in a pan, cool down and then grind into a smooth powder. You can even powder it in hand mortar and pestle.
- Deseed the chili and chop roughly. Now mix 4 cups curd, 1 chopped green chili, 3/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder, 1-1/2 teaspoon black salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala, 1 inch ginger and chopped coriander leaves.
- Add about 3 cups chilled water and blend thoroughly.
- Garnish with some chaat masala and a coriander leaf. Serve chilled.
Notes
Serve this Chaas with your everyday meals in this Summer. You can even enjoy it before or after having meals. Roasted jeera (cumin seeds) powder can be stored for many days in an airtight container and use it when ever needed for chaas, raitas and stir fries. You can do lot of variations in this chaas recipe, you can add curry leaves and asafoetida for making your own favourite version. You can add some more water and make it bit thin version too.
Chef Tips:
- For Gujarati’s Chaas makes a delicious accompaniment for handvo.
- You can add normal water while blending it and then mix few ice cubes for serving immediately.
Chaas
Further Reading:
If you are looking for more such refreshing Beverages, then do check Thandai, Meethi (Sweet) Lassi and Lassi Patiala.
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