Neer More – Spiced Buttermilk

Neer More, that is what Spiced Buttermilk is called in tamil. It is a refreshing drink and the best drink to beat the summer heat. It is very easy to prepare in a short time. Back in India, during summer time there would be “More Pandhal”, places where “Neer More” is served on the road side under a temporary shed set up by well wishers. It is just to serve people a refreshing drink which gives them a temporary relief from the scorching summer heat. Some people have a big pot full of this beverage outside their houses for the passers by as a token of good will. There is nothing better than serving people around us without expecting anything in return.

Have a glass full of buttermilk and get refreshed!!

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• Yogurt – 1 cup
• Water –  2 1/2 cups
• One small green chili (or half)
• Ginger – 1/2 ” piece
• Asafoetida – a big pinch
• Curry leaves – 7 or 8
• Salt to taste
• Oil – 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp

Method of Preparation:

1. Beat the yogurt with a whisk and gradually add water to it whisking constantly until smooth. You can use a wooden churner for this process which is traditionally used to churn buttermilk.
2. Grind green chili, ginger, asafoetida, salt to a paste. Finally add 6 curry leaves and pulse a few times. Do not grind it too much. 
3. Mix it in the buttermilk and stir well. 
4. Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds. When it splutters add the remaining curry leaves and remove from heat.
5. Temper the buttermilk with the above mustard and curry leaves. 
6. Serve chill.