Smoked Masala Chaas (Buttermilk)

Chaas or buttermilk in India refers to a drink made with yoghurt, water and spices. There are so many variations to this drink. The simple version just contains salt, but I prefer adding some spices to make the chach a little masaledaar! In India, it as an integral part of the meal. I always keep a big jar of chaas in the fridge, it is a must in my house. Some of the popular variations consist of mint, coriander, curry leaves, ginger, black pepper, chat masala, crackling mustard seeds etc. This recipe, Smoked Masala Chaas, deviates from the popular versions to incorporate a smoky flavour to the drink.

First I spice up my buttermilk with green chilli, ginger, coriander, salt and jeera powder. Feel free to incorporate spices of your choice. Now for the exciting part, heat a piece of charcoal on the stove till it starts to turn red from the heat. Once this is done, pour your spiced buttermilk into a bowl that can be covered, place a small steel cup over the buttermilk and ensure that it floats. Carefully place the charcoal in the steel cup, pour a few drops of ghee (clarified butter), chilli powder and hing (asafoetida powder) and cover the big powder. You will immediately notice that the bowl gets filled with smoke, just let this rest for five minutes.

It derives an earthy flavour from all the spices. Discard the charcoal and pour it in a glass. Your Smoked Masala Chaas is now ready!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment and don’t forget to tag your photo with #blissofcooking on Instagram. You may like to try our other recipes like Buttermilk (Masala Chaas) and Tomato Drumstick Rasam.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes 
Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients for Smoked Masala Chaas

1 and 1/2 cups yoghurt (dahi)
1 green chilli chopped
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon chopped ginger
1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (jeera)
1 teaspoon black salt (Kala Namak)
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander 

For the smoky flavour
1 piece of charcoal
4 to 5 drops of ghee (clarified butter)
A pinch of red chilli powder
A small pinch hing
1 small steel bowl

Directions for Smoked Masala Chaas

• Blend all the ingredients except water, in a blender till smooth. Add water and blend again. Adjust the salt and seasoning as per your taste.
• Transfer the chaas in a big bowl and set aside.
• Heat the piece of charcoal on a stove till reddish hot.
• Now place the small steel bowl on the chaas; keep the hot charcoal on it, add the ghee, hing, red chilli powder and cover with a plate. (You have to act fast after the charcoal is hot, otherwise, the smoke will not be enough to flavour the chaas.)
• After 5 minutes, remove the plate; take out the bowl with charcoal.
• Pour the smoked chaas in the desired glass and serve.