Neer More - Refreshing Summer Drink !

Neer More (watered buttermilk) is a cooling summer drink which is very healthy and refreshing. It is made out of curd, with a high proportion of water. It is also called Chaas (i love the name chaas). 

Chaas is popular across Indian subcontinent. It is also written chhaachh. It is called moru in Tamil and Malayalam, in the Bengal region, it is called ghol, taak in Marathi, majjiga in Telugu, majjige in Kannada. It is often called laban in Bangladesh. In Indian English, it is often referred to as buttermilk. Nowadays, I am reading a lot of food related books and articles , learning about various cuisines and their originality (how they call and pronounce each dish), which is quite interesting. When I study diversity, I literally imagine myself living in that place. I love doing this and that's the reason I give this introduction to most of my recipes.

Buttermilk is made by churning curd/dahi and cold water together in a pot, using a whipper. This can be consumed plain or seasoned with a variety of spices. 

Although buttermilk can be made from fresh curd, it is more commonly made at home from
curd that is a few days old and has become sour due to age. Indeed, one of the purposes
for making chaas at home is to usefully finish off old yogurt that is lying in the fridge for long.
That's the reason, buttermilk has a tangy, slightly sour taste which is considered delicious.
A pinch of hing and salt is usually added to it for further enhancement of taste,
and other seasonings can be added also, as described below.

Buttermilk is very healthy but the taste is not relished by all. However, if proper seasonings
and spices are used, it can be delicious.

There are many variations of buttermilk. The one prepared from fresh curd without adding
water will be called as Lassi, the one prepared from the water that is left from churning butter
is another version of buttermilk (actually that is why the name buttermilk was born) and the
sour version along with the spices. Quite interesting right? Lot of facts and information
has been given by the people of those days.

Before moving on to the recipe, this neer more is one of the prasadham for Lord Rama
on Rama Navami (another one is Panagam) , the reason behind is the offerings should be
prepared without using stove and cooked food should not be offered to the lord on that day.
I will post the recipe for panagam soon. Now, let's move on to the Neer more recipe.

Preparation Time : 5 minutes

Cooking Time     : 5 to 10 minutes

Ingredients :

Full fat Curd (i used store bought for a tangy flavor) - 2 lb box

Cilantro - 1 bunch

Mint leaves - few

Curry leaves- few

Ginger - 1 inch piece

Hing - 1/2 tsp

Salt - 1 tsp

Tempering :

Coconut Oil - 2 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1 tbsp

Wash the leaves and ginger twice or thrice to remove the sandy particles.

Grind Cilantro, curry leaves , mint leaves, ginger, hing and salt adding water to a
running paste. 

Now whisk the curd using a whipper adding water. 

Add a little curd to the running paste and grind again to ensure the leaves are grinded properly.

Now add the running grounded green paste to the whisked curd.
Again whisk it nicely for 5 minutes adding enough water. Ensure the lumps are removed. 

There is no measurement for water. I added approximately 1.5 litres of water.
Neer more - the name says it all. It should be really watery. Some people might prefer it
thick. It totally depends on your convenience. We like it watery. So I added more water.

Finally do the tempering. 

Enjoy the refreshing drink. It is very good for ulcers and helps in digestion. 

Notes:

1. You can use green chilli for a spicy version, I skipped it.

2. You can chop the ingredients and add it to the whisked curd. Personally, I
don't like it. So, I grinded everything and added it to the curd.

3. You can add a pinch of roasted methi powder to increase its nutrition. I skipped it. 

4. Do not skip curry leaves, cilantro, ginger and hing. 

5. The tadka enhances the flavor of the buttermilk and gives a crunchy feeling while
drinking. Try not to avoid this step.

Storage :

Store it inside the fridge for a week or two. Whenever using it, the water will get
settled at the top. Mix well and add more water if required while consuming.

If you have an earthen pot, store it in that. Awwww... it definitely increases the taste...
மண் பானை நீர் மோர் ..... It took me to a village lifestyle where patis make this
drink during summer. 

Enjoy the refreshing cold drink during the tiring summer!! I hope you will like it!