Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)

Name: Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup homemade yogurt (curd); 2 cups chilled water; 1/2 inch ginger; 1/2 green chili (optional, skip if you don't prefer); 1 tablespoon coriander leaves; 2-3 mint leaves; 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chaat masala (optional); 1/2 teaspoon black salt (kala namak); 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste); few coriander or mint leaves (for garnish)

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Masala chaas, also known as spiced buttermilk, recipe is a refreshing, healthy Indian summer drink made with homemade yogurt (curd), water, herbs, and a few spices. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and can be served with meals or any time of the day.

This masala chaas recipe is so easy to make and can be made in under 5 minutes with only a few ingredients. It can be served any time of the day or after meals.

Simple chaas with no masala is prepared by churning or blending only yogurt, water, salt, and roasted cumin powder (bhuna jeera powder).

Growing up, my mom made different variations of buttermilk, and we relished the drink after lunch every day. It is a staple drink even today at my home. Buttermilk was often served to guests as a welcome drink instead of tea or coffee on summer days.

Also, when you suffer from acidity after eating a meal, include a glass of chaas in your diet. It is great for digestion and keeps you hydrated during summer.

Chaas is a perfect cooling drink for vrat/fasting days, as they are excellent probiotics and prevent digestive troubles. If you consume chaas during fasting, replace black or regular salt with sendha namak (rock salt).

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What is Chaas?
Why You'll Love This Indian Spiced Buttermilk
Masala Chaas Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Masala Chaas at Home
Masala Chaas Serving Suggestions
Storage Suggestions
Tips to Make Perfect Masala Chaas
Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
More Indian Beverage Recipes
Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)

What is Chaas?

Chaas is a yogurt-based drink, popular across the Indian subcontinent. It is made with yoghurt, spices, and/or herbs.

It is also known by different names all over India. Mattha/chaach (Hindi), majjige (Kannada), majjiga (Telugu), neer mor (Tamil), sambharam (Malayalam), taak (Marathi).

Traditionally, Plain chaas is made with a handheld wooden churner (mathani) or wire whisk in a large pot. However, you can use a regular blender or an immersion blender to make it, as the churning method takes longer to make it.

Health Benefits of Chaas (Buttermilk)

Here are some of the amazing benefits of buttermilk.

Reduces Acidity
Aids Digestion
Fights Constipation
Cooling Effect.
Prevents Dehydration.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Good for Immunity

Why You'll Love This Indian Spiced Buttermilk

Ready in 5 minutes
Easy to make
Refreshing, cooling, and delicious
Healthy drink
It keeps you hydrated on the hot summer days
Vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan

Masala Chaas Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients required to make the masala chaas recipe at home.

Plain Yogurt (Curd) - Fresh homemade whole milk curd works best for the chaas recipe. You can use store-bought yogurt as well. Make sure the yogurt is not too sour. Greek Yogurt also works well in this Indian buttermilk recipe. Add more water to thin it out.
Water - Use chilled water for the best results.
Green Chili - Optional. I used ½ Thai chili. Remove the seeds to control the heat. If you don't prefer the spicy taste, skip it.
Ginger: adds a great flavor, so don't skip it.
Herbs - I used coriander leaves and mint leaves. They add great refreshing flavor to the spiced buttermilk, so do not skip these.
Spices - You will need roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, and salt. Do not skip adding roasted cumin, as it enhances the taste.

How to Make Masala Chaas at Home

Add all the ingredients: homemade yogurt, chilled water, ginger, green chili (optional), herbs, and spices in a blender.

step to add all the ingredients to a blender for making Masala Chaas

Blend until it becomes smooth and frothy.

Pour into the serving glasses, garnish with fresh mint or coriander leaves and sprinkle some roasted cumin.

Serve immediately or chill masala chaas for a few hours before serving.

masala chaas (indian spiced buttermilk) served in 2 serving glasses garnished with mint leaves and roasted cumin powder

Masala Chaas Serving Suggestions

It is served chilled in a tall glass or clay pot. It is usually garnished with roasted cumin powder or coriander leaves. Perfect accompaniment to your meals or serve anytime during the day.

It is best served with spicy Indian meals like paneer makhani, palak paneer, aloo gobi, chana masala, and parathas.

Storage Suggestions

You can store the leftover masala buttermilk in the refrigerator for 2 days in an airtight container. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge.

Note: Herbs in the chaas lose their flavor when stored for longer in the fridge and may turn bitter. Hence, it is best enjoyed within a day or two.

indian masala buttermilk recipe served in 2 serving glasses garnished with mint leaves and roasted cumin powder

Tips to Make Perfect Masala Chaas

Fresh Homemade Yogurt: Use fresh homemade whole milk curd for the best results. But you can definitely use store-bought yogurt to make this chaas. Make sure it's fresh and is not sour or stale.
Consistency: You can adjust the consistency of the chaas according to your preference. It should not be thick. For a thinner consistency, add more water.
Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt, like almond milk yogurt, or coconut milk yogurt, to make this chaas vegan.
Spicy: Adjust the green chili according to your taste. Skip if making for kids.
Immersion Blender: You can also use Immersion Blender to make the chaas if you don't have a regular blender.

Variations

Here are a few variations to chaas

Plain Chaas: This is the classic, simple basic version of the chaas. It is made by blending yogurt, water, roasted cumin powder & salt (or black salt).
Pudina (Mint) Chaas: In this version, Mint leaves are added. Blend yogurt, water, mint leaves, green chili, roasted cumin, and black salt to give refreshing mint-flavored buttermilk.
Masala Chaas with Tadka: In this version, tempering (or tadka) is added to the Chaas and is popular in South India. Blend yogurt, water, coriander leaves, curry leaves, green chili, ginger, and salt. For tempering, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and hing (asafoetida). Cook until the mustard seeds begin to crackle. Add this tadka to the chaas.
Boondi Chaas: If you like crunchiness in your buttermilk, then add plain or masala boondi just before serving as a garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buttermilk and chaas the same?

Yes, they are the same. The word Chaas is a Hindi word for buttermilk. The consistency of chaas is thinner than the store-bought buttermilk.

Is Chaas good for health?

Yes, Chaas is made from yogurt, providing a rich source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Probiotics help to improve digestion and keep the gut healthy.
The spices used in chaas, like cumin powder, black pepper, and black salt, aid in digestion and provides relief from acidity and bloating.

Is it ok to drink chaas daily?

Yes, you can. Chaas is a healthy drink, and it is best to consume daily, especially during the summer, as it helps to cool down the body from the scorching temperatures and aids digestion.

Can Masala Chaas be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Masala Chaas in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

Can masala chaas be made vegan?

Yes, You can make masala chaas vegan by replacing dairy yogurt with plant-based yogurts like almond milk, soy, or coconut yogurt.

More Indian Beverage Recipes

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