Masala Chaas

Masala Chaas or spiced buttermilk is a refreshing Indian drink that is mildly spicy and tangy, usually savoured after meals to improve digestion. Made using just 4 ingredients, it gets ready in just 5 minutes. Here is how to make it.

If there is one drink that is a regular at home in Summers, it is Chaas or as it is called Buttermilk.

Made with curd/yogurt, it helps to cool down your body and also provides you the necessary hydration. 

And therefore, I make sure that my family consumes it along with our Lunch, as it also helps in digestion.

I have always been a fan of Chaas, but recently I have been trying different versions of it.

As it is made often at home and I don’t want anyone to get bored from it, I try and make different variations of spiced buttermilk every day. 

The latest one to join this bandwagon is Masala Chaas.

Flavored with coriander leaves, mint leaves, and some spices, this one will surely be your favorite drink in Summers too.

It has that right amount of spiciness from the green chillies that go so well with the buttermilk, along with other spices and herbs used. 

So, if you are looking for a Summer beverage that will instantly give you some relief from the heat, then then your search gets over here. Do give this Spicy Buttermilk recipe a try!

Here are some more Summer Drinks, that can be made at home – Nimbu Shikanji, Aam Panna, Jeera Soda, Jaljeera, Kulukki, Mohabbat Ka Sharbat, Mango Mastani, and Kanji Drink. 

About This Recipe

It is a very popular drink in India, especially in Gujarati and Rajasthani households.

It is made differently in each home, and can also be named differently but the basic ingredients used for the same are curd, water, cumin powder, and salt.

Spicy Masala Chaas or Spiced Buttermilk, on the other hand, is the variation of same Chaas, but is flavored with coriander leaves, mint leaves, and cumin powder.

You can also make a spicier version of the usual buttermilk and add green chillies, ginger, and black pepper into it. 

Ingredients

You will need just a handful of ingredients to make Chaas or Buttermilk.

Yogurt – Yogurt (Curd) is the base of this drink. Use fresh yogurt that is very slightly sour to make chaas. The yogurt should not be too sour.

Spices – You will need salt, black pepper powder, and roasted cumin powder. Homemade Cumin Powder gives the best flavor to this drink. Make it using my recipe. 

Herbs – Cilantro (Coriander) and mint give a very refreshing feel to the buttermilk. Do not skip to add these herbs. If you don’t like them coming into your mouth while sipping the chaas, then you can strain them after the flavors have seeped in.

Health Benefits

Buttermilk comes with a lot of health benefits, some of them are:

• It helps in digestion and is considered great to treat constipation. It also calms the stomach after a spicy meal. 
• Cools your body down and saves you from the harmful UV rays of the Sun. 
• Hydrates your body. Gives you energy, on a sunny day. 
• Buttermilk is a great source of vitamins like vitamin B complex, proteins, and potassium. It is a great drink to beat diseases caused due to vitamin deficiency.
• Reduces Blood Pressure.
• if you add Pepper and Ginger in the Chaas, it also helps with the acidity problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buttermilk the same as chaas?

Buttermilk and Chaas are indeed the same! Buttermilk is the ‘English’ term for Chaas.

It is a simple combination of curd and water, where water is added to make a very watery drink.

Chaas vs Lassi

Both these Indian drinks are made with yogurt but are very different from each other. Chaas is a little watery, whereas Lassi is thicker in texture. 

Generally, Chaas is salted, whereas traditionally Lassi is sweet and is flavored with saffron and dry fruits. 

Chaas is also less acidic and has a slightly sour taste when compared to the Lassi. 

Can you drink it daily?

Masala Chaas is an everyday affair at my home and you can drink it every day in Summers, as it helps cools down your body and also helps in digestion.

As it is cold in nature, it is not advisable to have it in winter so often, as it may cause cold. But you can still serve it along with your meals from time to time. 

Can you drink it at night?

You can drink buttermilk at night as it provides many health benefits such as it aids digestion, promotes sleep, and also improve the quality of your sleep. But it’s good to avoid it if you have a cold. 

Variations

Simple Chaas – This is just a combination of curd and water which is flavored with salt and cumin powder. 

Tadka Chaas – In this version, Buttermilk is given a tadka of cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. This is very popular in South India. 

Beetroot Chaas – Beetroot is peeled, chopped, pureed, and then mixed with buttermilk. It not only gives a beautiful color to it but also adds to its nutrition. 

Boondi Chaas – You can add Boondi which we generally add in the Raita to the Chaas to. It gives a nice crunch to it. Just make sure that you add Boondi right before you serve if you like your Boondi to remain crunchy. 

Cucumber Coriander Chaas – Puree the cucumber along with coriander, green chillies, ginger, and add to the buttermilk.

Pudina (Mint) Chaas – Puree the mint leaves with green chillies and ginger, add to the buttermilk.

Smoked – This is one of my favorite way of making Chaas. You can make either simple or Masala Chaas and then smoke it with coal. It gives it a beautiful earthy flavor.

Step By Step Recipe

Add yogurt, water in a bowl, and whisk properly so that there are no lumps. You can even use a blender to do the same.

Add in black pepper powder, salt, cumin powder, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Mix well. 

Serve chilled.