Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)

          This perfect yoghurt drink is very refreshing and is a must during hot summer days. It is very light on the tummy and helps in keeping you hydrated. Just adding some flavourful spices, coriander leaves and a tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves takes this humble buttermilk to the next level. So you can prepare this healthy drink well in advance and refrigerate it to be enjoyed, chilled, as and when required. 

• 1 cup yoghurt
• 2 cups water
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp. pepper powder
• 1 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• pinch pf asafoetida
• 1 sprig curry leaves

          Whisk the yoghurt, water and all the dry spices. Add the chopped coriander leaves and green chilies and give it a stir. 

          Heat oil in a pan and temper with mustard seeds. After it stops spluttering add the asafoetida and curry leaves. 

          Saute for a few seconds and switch off the flame. Pour this tempering over the spiced yoghurt mix and stir. Refrigerate for some time and serve them chilled in individual glasses.

Gulkand Lassi (Rose Petals Preserve Smoothie)

          A great combination of Gulkand (rose petals preserve) and yoghurt makes for a delicious and refreshing drink. Garnish with some chopped nuts, saffron and rose petals. Serve in individual glasses and have this flavored lassi chilled or with some extra ice cubes. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

• 2 cups yoghurt
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 milk pedas, crumbled / 2-3 tbsp. khoya
• 2 tbsp. Gulkand (rose petals preserve)
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp. rose water
• sugar to taste (only if required)
• few rose petals to garnish
• pinch of saffron to garnish
• some chopped mixed nuts to garnish

          Blend together Gulkand with the rose water. In a mixi jar, add the yoghurt, Gulkand, crumbled Pedas / khoya, water and cardamom powder. Sugar can be added if required.

          Blend into a smooth puree. Pour into individual glasses and garnish with the chopped nuts, saffron and rose petals. Serve chilled and enjoy this cool, refreshing and flavored lassi.

                                 Milk pedas...

In a mixie jar, add yoghurt, gulkand, crumbled pedas, water & cardamom 

                    powder. Sugar can be added if required.

Blend into a smooth puree. 

         Pour into glasses & garnish with chopped nuts, saffron & rose petals. 

Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)

          
              
          A refreshing chilled drink is always welcome to beat the summer heat. So try this amazing drink made of raw mangoes, sugar and some basic seasonings. There is nothing like having a glass of this homemade drink, with or without ice cubes to keep yourself cool and hydrated during summer. It immediately cools you down and energizes you. 

           It quenches our thirst and prevents the loss of sodium and iron from our body due to excessive sweating in summers. This drink is also helpful in the treatment of any upset tummy. For a healthy option, try having it with brown sugar or jaggery.

• 1 raw mango
• black salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper 
• sugar to taste
• pinch of chaat masala
• 8-10 mint leaves

          Pressure cook the mango for 2-3 whistles. When cool, remove the pulp and keep aside. Mix together with 3 glasses of water and rest of the ingredients (except mint).

          Blend it in a mixer. Strain and serve chilled, garnished with mint leaves.