Masala Chhas (Spiced Buttermilk)

Summer has surely set its mark here in Northern California, and the temperatures are slowly rising to higher 80's! Its getting so hot all I want to do is sit back and lounge on my rocking chair, sipping gingerly from an array of cool summer drinks:) Juices, smoothies, ice-cream shakes are all preferred choices, but sometimes, the tongue craves for something "chatpata & masaledaar", and that's when this cooling and refreshing Masala Chaas, or Spicy Buttermilk comes to your rescue! Lots of people don't like buttermilk, but believe me, when you make it fresh at home, with regular curd, and jazz it up with a few Indian spices, you will be amazed at how something so simple can uplift your mood so much!

Ingredients
2 cups fresh curd (not too sour)
3 cup water
1/2 tsp salt - or adjust to your taste
a bunch of cilantro - chopped
8-10 fresh mint leaves
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
2 green chillies - chopped
1/2 tsp mango powder (aamchur) - optional

Method
Add the chopped cilantro, mint leaves, cumin, green chillies and amchur powder to a blender. Add 1/2 cup water and blend to form a smooth paste.

Now add the curd, salt and remaining water, and again blend to make a thick and smooth buttermilk. Add more water if needed to get desired consistency.

Pour into serving glasses, garnish the cool, green Spicy Buttermilk with some mint leaves, and sit back and relax as you allow it to cool and refresh your mind and senses!

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