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.

Dates Lassi

           A healthy refreshing drink made of dates and yogurt is just perfect during summer. I have not added any sugar, so you may if you wish. I flavored it with cardamom powder and rose water. You may try with gulkand or any flavor of your choice. Garnish with chopped nuts and tutti frutti. Serve it chilled or with some ice cubes to beat the scorching heat. 

• 12-15 dates, deseeded & soaked for an hour 
• 1 & 1/2 cups yogurt
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose water
• 1 tsp. chopped pistachios
• 1 tsp. tutti frutti
• few ice cubes

          Blend the dates, yoghurt, cardamom powder and rose water into a smooth puree. Refrigerate for an hour. 

          Pour in individual glasses along with 2-3 ice cubes. Serve, garnished with chopped pistachios and tutti frutti as a refreshing summer drink. 

Thandai Flavoured Kadhi

          Kadhi, being my favorite is a great comfort food to many and is always welcome. It goes very well with steamed rice, pulao or jeera rice. You may also try it with chapati / roti. So I thought of flavoring it with some leftover thandai mix that I prepared for Holi. And here you are a yummy side dish for you to savor for lunch / dinner.

• 1/2 cup yoghurt
• 3 cups water
• 2-3 tbsp. Thandai mix
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1/2" cinnamon stick
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp. chopped nuts, pinch of cardamom powder & 1 tsp. dry rose petals (opt)

          Whisk together yogurt, water, salt, turmeric powder and thandai mix. Keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and temper with cumin seeds, cinnamon and cardamoms. Sauté for a few seconds. 

          Add the batter and simmer on a low flame till it turns slightly thick or to a desired consistency. 

          Garnish with chopped nuts, cardamom powder and dried rose petals. Serve with plain rice, pulao, jeera rice or chapati.