A refreshing drink made with yogurt, bursting punch of mint leaves and roasted cumin seeds.
Chaas is nothing but buttermilk. It is very popular thirst quencher in summer in India. It is mostly had during summers and also many times after meals. When I was younger I have seen in many Indian cities vendors selling this spiced buttermilk, especially in hot summers. It is not only summer, I always crave for thirst quenching drinks to keep my body hydrated and cool.
Both yogurt and mint are body coolants. Mint calms stomach when there is stomach pain and indigestion. It also helps headaches. And buttermilk is good to have if you have acidity problem. So, if you are having more junk oily spicy foods, always good to have buttermilk. My parents mostly make buttermilk for me thrice in a week as it is a great coolant and helps to glow the skin away staying away from heat acnes. Sometime I just make with coriander and no mint. If I have some leftover mint from biryani, I surely make buttermilk with mint. It is low in fat and high in calcium and probiotics.
When heat becomes unbearable in India, we always try to beat the heat by having this buttermilk, fresh lime soda and so on. There are lots of ways to prepare this, some don’t like to make it without mint and have it as masala chaas, some with sugar as sweet lassi and some add fruits or vegetables to make it tastier like mango lassi. I wanted to show the simple version.
I remember my Mom never fails to leave anyone from home without giving them something to eat when they come to visit us. Let it be anyone. She will do it. She says it is a custom in India. “Tamizhar panpadu!” to be more specific. I try to follow that till now. Those days there won’t be food always or even snacks like these days. So, she will make sure to at least make some quick buttermilk and give. It’s great for all ages. 🙂
- Yogurt – 1 cup
- Fresh mint leaves – 7-8, chopped
- Cumin seeds – 1 tbsp
- Coriander leaves – Few, chopped
- Hing – 1 pinch
- Water – 1.5 cups
- Salt – as needed
- Dry roast jeera until it turns slightly browned. It gives nice aroma. Then powder it using mortar and pestle or just grind it in a blender. I roasted more and saved them in a box.
- In a blender add all the ingredients including the mint leaves and blend till smooth.
- Serve mint chaas in glasses with some ice cubes. You can also chill and serve later.
2. You can add dry mint leaves instead of fresh mint leaves.
3. You can also add black salt instead of normal salt.( if you did not know 😉 black salt looks pink in color)
4. You can also add ginger when grinding.
