Masala chaas is a spiced buttermilk recipe made using yogurt, and water. To make this masala chaas cilantro, mint, ginger, green chilies, spices are added. This cool and refreshing drink is enjoyed during summer and is made using Dahi.

This cooling summer drink made appearances almost every day during lunch growing up. Summers were harsh in Gujarat. So this buttermilk was a staple in our diet growing up.
The spiced chaas we make with vaghareli khichdi is the exact same recipe, but we add a tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, and curry leaves to it.
This recipe is one of my favorite summer recipes, and I make it almost every day.
Jump to:
What is Masala Chaas?
The spiced buttermilk is popularly known as masala chaas. It is very easy to make, with a few handfuls of ingredients. I like to use 1 cup of plain yogurt, and 2 cups of water, whisk it well together, and make sure there are no lumps. Then I like to add, ginger green chili paste, finely chopped cilantro, and finely chopped mint leaves. This delicious drink has a slightly spicy kick which makes it uber delicious. It is great to serve at your summer parties too.
Make Vegan Chaas
When I went vegan for a couple of months, cashew yogurt worked really well for me to substitute yogurt in my recipes.
Expert Tips
- I like to whisk the dahi smooth before adding water. Then, add water and whisk until everything blends to make buttermilk. Then add finely chopped cilantro and mint along with black salt and roasted cumin powder. I also add ginger and green chili paste.
- You can also add yogurt, water, cilantro, mint ginger and green chilies along with black salt and cumin powder in a blender jar, and blend. The color of the buttermilk will be green, but just as delicious.
- Always use 1:2 ratio of yogurt to water. It gives a perfect consistency.
- Serve chilled with lunch.
Ingredients for Spiced Buttermilk
Yogurt - Use Indian dahi, to make this recipe. I use full fat plain unsweetened yogurt to make this buttermilk.
Water - Use chilled ice-cold water to make this recipe.
Herbs - Cilantro and mint leaves add a delicious and refreshing flavor to the chaas.
Aromatics - Ginger and green chili paste is added to give the spicy kick to the masala chaas.
Spices - Black salt and roasted cumin powder are used to add earthy flavors to this recipe. Dry roast the cumin seeds on a non-stick pan until aromatic. Once it cools down, add it to the spice blender and grind in coarse powder.
Step-by-Step To Make This Recipe
In a bowl add yogurt, and whisk until smooth. Then add the ginger and green chili paste, finely chopped cilantro leaves and mint leaves, and finally add black salt and roasted cumin powder. Mix it all well, and then start adding water. Whisk while adding the water, to make sure there are no lumps.
Chill and serve, garnished with mint sprigs.
Storage and Serving Instructions
The buttermilk keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 2 days. But, I suggest making smaller batches and drinking right away.
It tastes best when served chilled. Either chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving or add ice cubes before serving.
More Recipes From the Blog
Masala Chaas
These nutrional values are automatically generated. Use them for estimation only.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Plain Yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro Finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Mint Leaves Finely chopped
- 1 Green Chili
- ยฝ Inch Ginger
- 1 Teaspoon Roasted Cumin Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Salt
- Mint and Cilantro For Garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add yogurt. Whisk it until smooth.
- Add ginger and green chili paste, or grated ginger and green chili. Then, add finely chopped cilantro leaves, mint leaves, black salt and roasted cumin powder.
- Mix everything well.
- Start whisking as you add chilled water, to make sure there are no lumps.
- Chil the buttermilk in the refrigerator before serving or add ice cubes while serving.
Notes
- Roasted Cumin Powder - Dry roast cumin seeds using a non-stick pan, on a low flame. Roast the cumin seeds until aromatic, and grind until powdered using a spice blender.ย
- You can also blend the buttermilk, adding all the listed ingredients in the blender jar. The color changes to beautiful green, but traditionally masala chaas is white.ย
Your Thoughts