Pudina Chaas / Mint Buttermilk (Spiced Mint Yogurt Drink)
A cool and refreshing yogurt drink or buttermilk flavored with Mint or Pudina and spiced with simple ingredients like green chilies, cumin and ginger. Buttermilk keeps you hydrated and is a perfect drink to enjoy in summer!
While the sweetened Yogurt drink or Lassi (or sometimes Mango lassi) is the famous version of yogurt drink or buttermilk in India, the spiced version is the less known one. This spiced Buttermilk, from the southern parts of India, is called Majjige in Kannada, Majjiga in Telugu or Chaas in Hindi. It is often kept in clay pots with ice cubes to enjoy a cool and refreshing drink during the summer.
What is buttermilk?
The buttermilk available in stores, that is used for baking, is entirely different from the Indian version of buttermilk. In the olden days, when refrigerators were not widely available, the fresh milk with cream is preserved by culturing or fermenting it to make yogurt. The thick yogurt is then churned to extract butter and the remaining liquid is called buttermilk. This buttermilk is fermented or cultured and is loaded with probiotics. It is full of microbes that feed your gut with healthy and much needed bacteria.
Is buttermilk Healthy?
Yes! Since buttermilk is made with fermented and cultured yogurt, it contains all the good probiotics and calcium, vitamins and potassium levels that are associated with yogurt. Fermentation process breaks down the casein or milk protein, which makes the buttermilk easier on your tummy(excuse the word “tummy”, I am so used to explaining stuff to my toddler). Eating cultured dairy products lowers cholesterol and maintains healthy gut bacteria.
How is buttermilk made in this recipe?
Traditionally, buttermilk is made by churning cultured cream and extracting butter. But in this recipe, we are taking a shortcut and diluting yogurt to make majjiga or buttermilk. I make yogurt in this super simple Cold start method in Instant pot and is definitely a sure shot way to make yogurt.
How to make Mint Yogurt drink or Mint Buttermilk?
Its super duper easy to make this spicy and refreshing drink.
- Grind Mint leaves, green chili, ginger, salt and cumin seeds to a smooth paste.
- Add yogurt and chilled water and blend for 5 seconds to blend the yogurt and mint paste together and to make it frothy.
- Served it chilled with some ice cubes and fresh mint leaves.
Can I use store-bought buttermilk to make Mint Yogurt drink or Mint Buttermilk?
No! I would suggest to not use the the commercial buttermilk containers that are available at stores. Or do not make that shortcut buttermilk by adding vinegar or lemon juice to milk . Best shortcut way of making buttermilk is to buy store-bought plain yogurt and diluting with water.
How else can I spice up this buttermilk?
If you are not a fan of mint leaves (my husband isn’t, but strangely loved this version!), you can add just ginger, curry leaves or cilantro and cumin seeds. A touch of black salt or chat masala takes a simple buttermilk to a whole new level. A tempering of dried red chilies and curry leaves adds extra flavoring.
How to store and serve the Mint Buttermilk?
Buttermilk, in general, stores well at room temperature for couple days. Mint buttermilk stays fresh and best in the refrigerator for 2 days. Serve it chilled as is or with rice and some papadams or crisps.
Mint Buttermilk (Spiced Mint Yogurt Drink)
Spicy and refreshing mint flavored buttermilk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Mint leaves
- 1 green chili (optional)
- 1/4 inch piece ginger
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- In a blender, Grind Mint leaves, green chili, ginger, salt and cumin seeds to a smooth paste.
- Add yogurt and chilled water and blend for 5 seconds to blend the yogurt and mint paste together and to make it frothy. Served it chilled with some ice cubes and fresh mint leaves
Notes
Adjust the consistency of the buttermilk by adding more or less water, as per your taste.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 62Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 254mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 5g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
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