Chaas, Chutki Bhar Hing: A Buttermilk Story That Will Tingle Your Tastebuds!
Namaste and Kem Chho, my lovely foodies! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to whisk you away on another delicious adventure! Today, we are diving deep into a refreshing and surprisingly flavorful drink: Spiced Buttermilk with Asafoetida, or as we lovingly call it, Hing ka Chaas!
This isn’t just any buttermilk, folks. This is a glass of cool, creamy goodness with a secret weapon: the pungent and powerful hing (asafoetida). Don’t let the smell scare you! When tempered just right, it adds a unique savory depth that will have you hooked.
When Do We Drink This Magic Potion?
Hing ka Chaas is a staple in many Indian homes, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan. You will find it flowing freely during the hot summer months to keep us cool and hydrated. It’s also a popular digestive aid after a heavy meal, especially during festive occasions like Diwali or Holi when we tend to overindulge in delicious sweets and savory snacks. Some people even drink it daily for its health benefits.
A Little History Lesson
Buttermilk, in general, has been around for centuries. Traditionally, it was the liquid left behind after churning butter. Hing ka Chaas, however, is a more modern twist. The addition of hing is a testament to our Indian love for spices and our belief in their medicinal properties. Hing is known for its digestive benefits, and adding it to buttermilk makes it a super-powered drink!
Let’s Get Cooking! (Well, Mixing!)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 minutes (for tempering)
Ingredients – The Stars of Our Show:
- Dahi (Plain Yogurt): 1 cup
- Pani (Water): 2 cups (or more, depending on how thin you like your chaas)
- Adrak (Ginger): 1/2 inch piece, grated
- Hari Mirch (Green Chili): 1, finely chopped (adjust to your spice level)
- Hara Dhaniya (Fresh Cilantro): 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Jeera (Cumin Seeds): 1/2 teaspoon
- Hing (Asafoetida): A tiny pinch (seriously, a pinch!)
- Tel (Cooking Oil): 1 teaspoon
- Kala Namak (Black Salt): To taste
- Namak (Salt): To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions – As Easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Blend it Up: In a blender, combine the yogurt, water, ginger, green chili, cilantro, black salt, and regular salt. Blend until smooth and frothy.
- The Hing Magic: Heat the oil in a small pan (a tadka pan if you have one) over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the hing and immediately remove the pan from the heat. The hing should sizzle and release its aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
- Combine and Enjoy: Pour the tempered hing and cumin mixture into the buttermilk. Mix well.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful and refreshing drink!
Chef Curry’s Top Tips for the Best Chaas:
- Use good quality yogurt: The quality of your yogurt will directly impact the taste of your chaas. Use fresh, plain yogurt.
- Don’t overdo the hing: Hing is powerful! A tiny pinch is all you need. Too much will make the chaas bitter.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red chili powder for extra heat.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add other spices like chaat masala or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.
Cooking It Your Way – The Adaptable Chaas!
- Gas Stove: The traditional method, perfect for tempering the spices.
- Induction Stove: Works just as well as a gas stove for tempering.
- Microwave: Not recommended for tempering.
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not applicable for this recipe.
- Air Fryer: Not applicable for this recipe.
- Oven: Not applicable for this recipe.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 50-70
- Protein: 3-4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 2-3 grams
Buttermilk is a good source of calcium, probiotics, and vitamins. Hing is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions – Beyond the Glass!
- Serve it chilled as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
- Pair it with your favorite Indian meal as a digestive aid.
- Use it as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.
- Add it to your smoothies for a savory twist.
Time to Get Your Chaas On!
So there you have it, folks! My secret recipe for Hing ka Chaas. It’s easy, refreshing, and packed with flavor. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and share it with your friends and family. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Until next time, happy cooking!
Chef Curry Do’pyaza signing off!