Few things provide as much respite from the oppressive summer heat in India as a cold glass of chaas or lassi. These classic yogurt-based beverages are more than just a way to quench your thirst; they’re a part of our culture, a glass of comfort, and a time-tested remedy for taste, digestion, and hydration. Chaas, lassi, and buttermilk all bring a comforting warmth (or coolness, in this case) and the chance to engage with traditional culinary knowledge, whether they are served during meals, offered to visitors, or drunk on a hot afternoon.
Curd, or dahi, is a common ingredient in most Indian homes and serves as the foundation for all three. The usage of lassi varies; it is usually thicker, frequently sweet, and offered as a stand-alone beverage. Buttermilk and chaas are typically served with food, are savory or subtly spiced, and are thinner. Numerous regional variations exist for each rendition, with variations in spice and occasionally the addition of herbs or even fruits. The best thing about it is that you can completely customize the fundamental concept.
These drinks are significantly healthier than store-bought sodas or fake juices, and they’re quite easy and affordable to make at home. Particularly during the hot months when our systems want something light and calming, you may make cool variations with just a few ingredients that will help with digestion and keep your body cool.
Let’s begin with chaas, the most common and modest form. Yogurt and water are whisked together and blended until smooth to make chaas, which is also referred to as buttermilk in certain regions of the nation. Typically, spices like ginger, fresh coriander, black salt, and roasted cumin powder are added. Generally speaking, the proportion of water to curd is one part yogurt to two or three parts water, though this might vary based on personal liking.
You can use items from your kitchen garden or spice rack to customize your chaas. Add some grated cucumber and fresh mint leaves for a cooler variant. In addition to calming the stomach, this combination offers a crisp, herbaceous flavor that is particularly pleasant in the summer. For individuals who prefer a little spice, another variation adds green chile, crushed curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Often called “masala chaas,” this is a filling and healing beverage, particularly after a large meal.
Tempering chaas also makes it work well. Pour a teaspoon of heated oil over your made buttermilk, sprinkling some mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a little chopped ginger. In South Indian kitchens, this variation is frequently served after lunch to facilitate digestion. Even a basic dinner feels full because to the depth and warmth that the balanced spices provide.
Let’s move on to lassi, a thick, creamy beverage that has long been associated with Punjabi hospitality. Made by combining curd with less water and frequently sweetened with sugar or honey, lassi is usually richer than chaas. Adding cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron to a typical sweet lassi can give it a rich scent and a golden tint. When topped with chopped nuts or a dollop of malai (cream), it transforms into a rich delight that can be served in place of dessert.
However, lassi is more than just sweet. Another option is namkeen lassi, often known as salted lassi, which is thicker than chaas. It is consumed cold as a mid-morning beverage or with spicy foods and contains salt, cumin, and occasionally ginger. It is perfect for those who want something substantial but not heavy because it has the body of a smoothie and the digestive qualities of chaas.
Lashi’s versatility is what makes it so lovely. Making fruit-based lassis using seasonal ingredients is simple. Made with ripe mango pulp, yogurt, and a pinch of cardamom, mango lassi is a delightful and decadent summertime classic. Fruits like pineapples, bananas, and strawberries can also be used. A sweet, tangy beverage that is healthier than most shakes or milk-based smoothies can be made by blending these with curd and a little honey. These fruity varieties are naturally hydrating and energetic, making them great for breakfast or as a post-workout snack.
Additionally, you can elevate your lassi by experimenting with different herbs and spices. For a unique twist, add fresh basil; for a floral touch, try adding a small amount of rose water. In monsoon or winter, spiced lassis with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of clove can be reassuring. For a thicker texture and more protein, consider making lassi with Greek yogurt. This is perfect for people watching their dietary intake.
Next is buttermilk, which is the liquid that remains after churning butter from curd in its purest form. Today, nevertheless, the phrase is used interchangeably with chaas, a spicy, diluted yogurt beverage, in the majority of Indian homes. The taste and consistency of real traditional buttermilk are a little more tangy. Don’t discard the leftover liquid if you create butter at home using malai. That is your real buttermilk, and it’s nutrient-dense and full of probiotics.
Simple additions like a pinch of turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory qualities, or a splash of lemon juice, if you want it a little tarter, can improve this classic buttermilk. To enhance digestion and lower abdominal heat, some people even use soaked fenugreek seeds. Drinking tempered buttermilk with cumin and ajwain seeds can help those with bloating or acid reflux right away.
Buttermilk is regarded as one of the best digestive beverages in Ayurvedic therapy, particularly when consumed with lunch. It is frequently suggested in detox diets or fasting regimens since it is believed to balance the three doshas of Pitta, Kapha, and Vata. Whisked curd, water, grated ginger, curry leaves, and a teaspoon of rock salt are the ingredients of a very basic Ayurvedic version. To give the body time to properly absorb its benefits, it is served at room temperature and sipped slowly.
Additionally, contemporary takes on classic beverages are becoming more popular, particularly in kitchens that prioritize wellness. To make vegan chaas and lassis, people are experimenting with plant-based yogurts derived from coconut milk, soy, or almonds. The core of the drink—a refreshing, probiotic-rich beverage that aids in your body’s recovery—remains the same even when the flavor profile shifts.
Superfoods can also be added to these beverages. In addition to thickening your chaas or fruit lassi, a teaspoon of chia seeds adds fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. For an extra health boost, you can whisk in matcha, flaxseed powder, or moringa powder. These pairings preserve the origins of classic drinks while introducing them into contemporary wellness settings.
It can also be an adventure to serve these cocktails. Serve your homemade chaas or lassi in clay cups or earthen pots rather than the typical steel tumbler or plastic bottle. They not only naturally keep the drink colder, but they also give it a rustic appeal that transports you back to the time when these drinks were first consumed. A simple drink can be transformed into a sensory delight by adding a garnish of mint, coriander, or rose petals.
A chaas or lassi bar may be a lively and engaging feature while hosting visitors. Provide a range of bases, such as fruit yogurt, plain curd, or flavored varieties, and a selection of toppings, such as crushed almonds, rock salt, roasted cumin, chopped mint, honey, or even edible flowers. It’s a fun way to commemorate tradition with a twist, and guests can personalize their beverages.
The quality of the curd is crucial to making these cocktails flawlessly at home. Curd produced from scratch always has more living cultures, tastes better, and is devoid of preservatives. Choose the basic, unsweetened curd with active probiotics if you’re using store-bought curd. Since everyone has different tastes and these beverages are quite forgiving, always taste and adjust the salt, sugar, and spices as you go.
The variety of chaas, lassi, and buttermilk is what makes them classic. They can be rich or light, savory or sweet, utilitarian or decadent. They complement your health, are easy to include into daily activities, and bring back fond memories with each drink. They do a lot of things, like cooling your system, helping with digestion, sating your sweet taste, and keeping you hydrated and full.
Ultimately, these unassuming beverages are about more than simply flavor; they’re about custom, health, and the pure joy of creating something healthy at home. They encourage you to play, try new things, and have fun because there is so much space for creativity and personalization. Therefore, instead of drinking cola the next time the sun is shining or you feel bloated, grab your blender. Create something unique, cozy, and full of personality, just like your grandmother might have, but with your own special touch.
