Chaas

Name: Chaas
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 400 g yogurt; 400 ml water; 1 tsp roasted cumin; 1 handful cilantro; 1/2 tsp black salt; 1 green chili — optional

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegetarian

Chaas is a cherished staple from the sun-kissed state of Gujarat, where it graces tables as a cooling companion to spicy meals. Often served during the hottest months, this refreshing drink is a soothing antidote to the midday heat, crafted in homes with an intuitive touch. It's a recipe that thrives in the hands of those who know their family's taste, with the salt and fat adjusted to personal preference and shared among loved ones.

This home-style chaas delivers a creamy yet tangy experience, with the roasted cumin adding a nutty warmth and the black salt lending a mineral depth. The cilantro and green chili provide a fresh, vibrant finish, invigorating the palate with each sip. As you enjoy it, you taste the essence of a Gujarati kitchen, where simplicity and flavor blend harmoniously.

Ingredients

400 gyogurt
400 mlwater
1 tsproasted cumin
1 handfulcilantro
1/2 tspblack salt
1green chili — optional

Method

Begin by preparing the base for Chaas. Take 400 grams of yogurt and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add 400 ml of water to the yogurt. Use a whisk or a hand blender to blend the yogurt and water together until smooth and frothy. This ensures the yogurt is fully incorporated and the mixture is light and airy.
Measure 1 teaspoon of roasted cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of black salt. These spices are essential for the authentic flavor of Chaas. Add them to the yogurt mixture. Stir gently with a spoon to evenly distribute the spices without losing the frothy texture.
Finely chop a handful of cilantro and one green chili. The cilantro adds freshness while the chili provides a subtle heat. Add these to the yogurt mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the herbs and chili are evenly mixed throughout.
Taste the Chaas to check the balance of flavors. Adjust the salt if necessary, keeping in mind that the black salt has a distinct flavor that should not be overpowering.
Once the Chaas is well-mixed and seasoned to your liking, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the drink to become refreshing.
Serve the Chaas immediately after chilling. Pour it into traditional glassware, such as a tall glass or a clay cup, to enhance the authentic experience. The Chaas should be frothy on top and well-chilled, with a refreshing aroma from the cilantro and cumin.