Summer Cooler 3: Masala Chaach - The Spiced Indian Buttermilk

If Ayran is convenience, Masala Chach or Chaas is nostalgia. I cannot say I grew up drinking this , but when I did start, I loved every sip of it.




Raised in a Bengali household, yogurt was always on the sweeter side. Even if were having a sour yogurt, it would be sprinkled with spoonful of sugar to cut out the tartness. Our yogurt drink called Ghol, has just four ingredients -  yogurt, water, sugar and pinch of salt. I was never quite fond of the Ghol though.

Chaach/Chaas (Indian Buttermilk) on the other hand is tangy, spicy and thoroughly refreshing. I started drinking it regularly during my first job when my boss, used to get a huge thermos filled with chilled Chaach or Chaas and insisted I share with her. I gladly obliged.

Later when I moved to Hyderabad, I saw my doctor 'prescribed' Chaach for nearly everything. From heat stroke to indigestion, drinking copious amount Chaach or Chaas was supposed to be the best remedy. And it worked too. My lunch was never complete without a glass of this cold drink, especially during the crazy summer months.

Chaach or Chanch or Chaas (spelling depends on the pronunciation in different parts of India), is a watered down yogurt drink on the lines of Ayran, but on the spicier side. Each region in India has their own recipe. Some use coriander leaves (cilantro), some mint and some curry leaves. Many temper their Chaach/Chaas. Some gulps it down with just salt and roasted cumin powder.  But they all have the same purpose - to cool you from inside and combat dehydration and fatigue. It is also a great digestive and usually an accompaniment to spicy meal.


This is something, the whole nation consumes on a daily basis, especially during the summer months. The demand for this "wonder drink" is such that now its even sold commercially in tetra packs. It is however, a breeze to prepare at home and a lot tastier than its commercial avatar.

OOPS!!! I missed adding the Coriander leaves (Cilantro) in the first Pic. It is there in the second Pic though 

The recipe for Masala Chaach or Chanch or Chaas is as diverse as the nation. Every region has its signature touch and every household makes it slightly differently. Roasted cumin (both the seeds and its powder) is however an integral part of this spicy Indian Buttermilk.  The version that I was so used to having in my early days was a simple mix of yogurt and water with rock salt, tiny amount of roasted cumin powder and red chili powder thrown in. Sam still loves this version the best.

In Hyderabad, I was introduced to the version that had ginger, green chilies and coriander leaves and some crunchy toasted cumin seeds as garnish. Oh! I immediately fell in love with it. It is by far my favorite way to spruce up my buttermilk. Apart form boosting the oomph factor taste wise, the presence of spices like cumin, ginger and coriander leaves (cilantro), brings in a host of health benefits too. They turn the Chaach or Chanch or Chaas from a simple summer cooler to an effective digestive drink.

Here is is my version of the quintessential Spiced Indian Buttermilk (Chaach or Chanch or Chaas), a delicious drink that not only cools but also fortifies the body.

Recipe Snapshot: Masala Chaach  Serves: 4 serving (1 serving = 1 cup, 8 oz) What I used: Cold Fat Free Greek Yogurt - 2 cups Cold Water - 4 -5 cups Rock Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt - 2 tsp  Roasted Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp Whole Peppercorn - 4 pcs Green Chili - 1 (optional) Ginger - 1 small piece (about 1/2 inch), chopped Coriander leaves/ Cilantro - a small palm full + more for garnishing What I did: 1. In a mortal and pestle, crush and grind the ginger, roasted cumin seeds, whole peppercorn, green chili and the coriander leaves (cilantro) into a coarse paste. The green chili is purely optional, but it does give a nice kick to the Chaach. Deseed it for the zing without the heat. 2. In a big bowl, whisk the yogurt till there are no lumps. Add the spice paste and the rock salt and mix well. 3. Add the water. For regular yogurt (which had a high water count), 4 cups of water is enough. But for Greek Yogurt, we need about 5 cups of water for desired consistency. I like my Chaach on the thinner side. If you like it thick like a Lassi, reduce the amount of water.  4. Keep it in the fridge till ready to serve. Don't strain it yet. The spices will continue to infuse the Chaach. 5. Just before serving, strain it in individual glass and garnish of     a. roasted cumin seeds and finely chopped coriander leaves (cilantro)    b. roasted cumin powder, red chili powder and/or finely chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) Alternatively, You could dump all the ingredients in a blender and whiz till fully combined. Stash it in the fridge till ready to serve. Just before serving, strain it in individual glass and garnish of roasted cumin seeds or powder, red chili powder or finely chopped coriander leaves/cilantro.  Notes/Tip: Though grinding the spice paste in the mortar and pestle seems an extra and tedious step, the resultant paste is more potent than one made in the blender.

Diabetic Platter: Masala Chaach/ Chaas or Indian Buttermilk, a very common drink in most Indian households, specially during the summer months. Made of watered down yogurt and spices like pepper, cumin, ginger, coriander leaves, green chilies and salt, this drink not only helps in combating dehydration and fatigue but is a great digestive too. Ginger, pepper and cumin, all make excellent digestive agents. Known for their carmative properties, together in a tall glass of Chaach/Chaas, they make the best natural digestive out there. Read about 10 reasons why you should drink Chaach/Chaas or Indian Buttermilk on a regular basis here.

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