When I first wandered through the bustling lanes of Udaipur during the summer festival of Gangaur, the air was thick with the scent of marigolds and roasting spices. Amidst the vibrant chaos, a humble street vendor handed me a chilled glass of masala chaas—only this version was sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt and a whisper of roasted cumin. That singular sip of spiced buttermilk still transports me back to that sun-soaked afternoon, reminding me of the magic in simple traditions.
If you’ve been searching for a spiced buttermilk recipe or curious about how to make masala chaas infused with rock salt for a probiotic boost, you’ve come to the right place. Today’s feature, Masala Chaas with Himalayan Salt, is a cornerstone among healthy summer drink recipes, caring for both your taste buds and wellbeing.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups chilled plain yogurt (dahi)
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt (plus extra for rim)
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
- 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 10–12 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- Ice cubes as needed
Optional substitutes: Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version; swap green chilies with a pinch of chaat masala for a milder kick; add sparkling water instead of still for a fizzy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the herbs: Pluck mint leaves and finely chop the green chilies and ginger. This takes about 3 minutes.
- Whisk the yogurt: In a deep bowl, whisk 2 cups of yogurt until smooth and frothy (2–3 minutes).
- Combine with water: Gradually pour in cold water while whisking to maintain a creamy texture (blend until frothy), about 1 minute.
- Spice it up: Stir in roasted cumin powder, black pepper, and grated ginger. Mix for 30 seconds.
- Add Himalayan salt: Sprinkle pink Himalayan salt, adjusting to your taste. Himalayan salt benefits for drinks include trace minerals that support hydration.
- Infuse herbs: Add chopped mint and chilies, and stir gently (1 minute).
- Rim the glasses: Moisten the rim with a slice of lemon, dip into Himalayan salt for an eye-catching edge.
- Serve: Pour the chaas into glasses over ice cubes. Garnish with mint sprigs and a light dusting of roasted cumin.
- Total prep time: Approximately 10–12 minutes.
Chef’s Creative Tip
Take your Masala Chaas with Himalayan Salt from traditional to trendsetting. This Indian traditional chaas variation not only cools you down but also offers a delectable twist for dinner parties or midday pick-me-ups. Try these creative ideas to elevate your spiced buttermilk recipe:
- Watermelon-Mint Masala Chaas: Blend in 1/2 cup cubed watermelon before whisking for a fruity, hydrating kick.
- Coconut Coconutmilk Chaas: Use equal parts coconut milk and yogurt for a tropical fusion that’s naturally dairy-free.
- Smoky Paprika Chaas: Swap black pepper with smoked paprika and garnish with a chili flake rim to impress BBQ guests.
Nutritional & Cultural Insights
Yogurt-based chaas has been a digestive staple in Indian households for centuries, especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Probiotics from yogurt support gut health, while pink Himalayan salt delivers essential electrolytes. According to WebMD, Himalayan salt contains over 80 trace minerals that help maintain fluid balance.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Plain yogurt (2 cups) | 488 kcal | 488 |
| Mint leaves (12 leaves) | 5 kcal | 5 |
| Pink Himalayan salt (1 tsp) | 0 kcal | 0 |
| Roasted cumin powder (1/2 tsp) | 4 kcal | 4 |
| Water (2 cups) | 0 kcal | 0 |
| Total | 497 kcal |
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
I hope this Masala Chaas with Himalayan Salt becomes your go-to healthy summer drink recipe. It’s a refreshing nod to India’s rich culinary tapestry, balancing probiotics and electrolytes in every sip. Try it at your next gathering, and don’t forget to share your photos or tag us @SummerSipSeries on Instagram! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post: Next up in our summer drinks recipe blog series, we’re crafting the ultimate Watermelon Juice with Rose Petals Recipes with hints of mint and lime.
