Neer Mor (Spiced Buttermilk - South Indian style)

 

          NEER MOR is a South Indian style spiced and salty buttermilk perfect during summer to beat the scorching heat. As the name indicates Neer means water and Mor is yoghurt. So this is a watery drink where finely chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, curry leaves and ginger are added. 

           It is then had as it is or with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida to make it more flavorful and appetizing, This refreshing drink is more popular in Tamil Nadu. It has digestive and cooling properties. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this soothing regional beverage. 

          Buttermilk is a popular drink in most parts of India with different variations. In North India, it goes by the name of Lassi / Chaas. It is Majjiga in Andhra / Telangana, Sambaram in Kerala, Neer Majjige in Karnataka and Neer Mor in Tamil Nadu. 

          Neer Mor, apart from being a summer drink, it is also popular during the Hindu festival of Ram Navami. It is offered as prasad to God, which is then distributed to all the devotees. This healthy drink is also better than all the fizzy aerated drinks. So it is the best recipe to keep ourselves cool and hydrated throughout the day. 

Ingredients - 

• 1/2 cup yoghurt
• salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• 1 sprig curry leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• 1/4 tsp. red chili flakes (opt)
• 1/4 tsp. pepper powder (opt)

Tempering - 

• 1 tsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 pinch of  asafoetida

          In a large bowl, add the yoghurt, water and salt to taste. Whisk well. Now add all the other ingredients and give it a stir. Keep aside. 

          For the tempering - Heat oil in a pan and temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds. Then pour into the yoghurt mix and combine everything well.

          Refrigerate till serving time. Pour into individual glasses and enjoy this refreshing drink as and when needed. 

                                  In a large bowl, add the yoghurt,

                                  water and salt to taste. Whisk well.

                                 Now add all the other ingredients.

                                 Give it a stir and keep aside. 

                        For the tempering - Heat oil in a pan & temper with mustard seeds, 

                        curry leaves and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.

                                 Then pour into the yoghurt mix.

                                  Combine everything well.

                            Pour into glasses & enjoy this refreshing drink as & when needed. 

Strawberry Lassi

          This is a delicious Strawberry Lassi with a twist. As I love creating something different to the same old traditional recipes, Here is my take - I added some crumbled store bought milk pedas to give a thick and creamy texture to the finished product. It turned out simply yummy with a slight hint and flavor coming from the cardamom powder and rose water.

• 1 & 1/2 cups yoghurt
• 1 cup strawberry puree (frozen or fresh)
• 2 pedas, crumbled
• sugar to taste
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose water
• 1/2 cup water (opt)
• 1/2 cup milk 
• fresh strawberries and mint leaves to garnish (opt)

          Blend together all the above mentioned ingredients (except fresh strawberries and mint) to a smooth puree. 

          Pour into glasses and serve, garnished with fresh strawberries and mint.