Buttermilk is a tangy fermented drink and it is one of the fewer summer coolers of olden days.
It is a good option for those who generally don’t prefer added sugars and sugar based drinks. We feel the cooling effect of buttermilk immediately after drinking a glass of buttermilk.
Traditional Buttermilk
Consuming cool juices in summer days is a must to keep us hydrated. At the same time it should be healthy and easy to make. Buttermilk is one of such summer cooler. As there are no added sugar, no preservatives and chemicals, prepared fresh – homemade buttermilk is a wise choice.
As it is naturally fermented, buttermilk is a good source of probiotics. These probiotics helps in digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and may also help relieve digestive issues like constipation or bloating. These probiotics make it easier to digest for lactose intolerant people also.
Vitamins and minerals in buttermilk helps in maintaining bone health, heart health, and overall body function. It helps keep the body hydrated, especially in hot weather. It helps lower body temperature and refreshes the body, especially during the summer months. Giving buttermilk was a tradition in south India to welcome guests instead of welcoming with chai!
By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, the probiotics and nutrients in buttermilk helps in strengthening the immune system. Buttermilk also helps in weight loss, to improve skin health, to control blood pressure and to maintain bone health.
Ingredients
- Curd – 1/2 cup
- Ginger – ½ inch piece
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 2 cups
- Curry leaves and coriander leaves – few
How to make a traditional buttermilk?
In a mixer jar or blender, add chopped ginger, curry leaves and coriander leaves. Crush them. If you want a plain buttermilk then skip adding ginger.
Now add curd, water and salt into the blender and blend well for 1 minute. I use homemade fresh curd. If you don’t have homemade one then may use a packed curd.
Strain it using a fine colander. If you wish you may garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves or may serve as plain buttermilk.
We may adjust the quantity of water according to the tanginess of curd so that sipping buttermilk is enjoyable not tangy.
Adding more flavors
If you want more flavors in buttermilk then give it a simple seasoning. In a tadka pan add a teaspoon of oil. Once it gets hot, add mustard seeds. Let it splutter. Then add half teaspoon of hinge and curry leaves. Add this seasoning to our buttermilk. Our flavored buttermilk is ready now!
Recipe Card
How to make traditional Buttermilk?
Ingredients
Instructions
In a mixer jar or blender, add chopped ginger, curry leaves and coriander leaves. Crush them. If you want a plain buttermilk then skip adding ginger.
Now add curd, water and salt into the blender and blend well for 1 minute.
Strain it using a fine colander. If you wish you may garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves or may serve as plain buttermilk.
We may adjust the quantity of water according to the tanginess of curd so that sipping buttermilk is enjoyable not tangy.
