Introduction
Beetroot Chaas is a unique and refreshing South Indian drink that combines the rich, earthy flavors of beetroot with the tanginess of yogurt and a hint of spice. Known for its cooling properties, this dish is perfect for hot days, offering a nutritious and flavorful way to hydrate. The mild heat from green chilies and the aromatic tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves elevate this dish to an exceptional level of taste, making it a delightful accompaniment to your lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beetroot (Chakundar) | 2 |
| Curd (Yogurt) | 2 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch piece |
| Green Chilies | 2 |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Mustard Seeds (Rye) | 1/2 tsp |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Oil | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Beetroot
To start preparing Beetroot Chaas, first, wash and peel the beetroots. Place them in a pressure cooker along with 1/2 cup of water. Cook the beetroots for about 2 whistles, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the beetroots are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin.
Step 2: Prepare Beetroot Puree
Once the beetroot has cooled, chop it into pieces and transfer it to a blender. Add chopped ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Blend everything together to form a smooth paste. Strain this beetroot mixture using a fine mesh to remove any fibrous bits, leaving behind a smooth puree.
Step 3: Prepare the Chaas Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the curd (yogurt), salt, and chaat masala. Add the freshly prepared beetroot puree to the curd mixture. Then, pour in the water and mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Tempering (Tadka)
To add a flavorful tempering, heat the oil in a small pan. Add the mustard seeds (rye) and let them splutter. Once they start to pop, add the curry leaves to the pan and let them crisp up for a few seconds. Remove the pan from heat and pour the tempering over the prepared chaas mixture.
Step 5: Serve
Stir the tempering into the chaas and serve it chilled or at room temperature. You can pair this refreshing beetroot chaas with a variety of South Indian dishes like mixed vegetable sambar, chow chow thoran (a vegetable stir-fry), steamed rice, and crispy papad.
Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful Beetroot Chaas as a cooling drink that will complement your meal perfectly!
Tips:
- You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer green chilies.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of coconut milk to the chaas mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a pinch of sugar to balance out the tanginess of the yogurt and the earthiness of the beetroot.
Beetroot Chaas is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and refreshing addition to your meal.