delicious dahi

 

Gosh! I have just downed the third glass in a straight row – of this heavenly drink called water. At this rate I shall soon burst like the waterfilled balloon of Rang Panchami. The Indian summer is to blame for this… But.

But.

 

Wait.

Summer also means juicy watermelons, luscious jackfruit, tangy pineapples, mangoes, khus flavored water – and bowls of dahi for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

 

 

Dahi (pronounced as dahee, with a soft 'd') is another name for curds or yogurt .

 

 

One can make thick, fat-rich dahi from buffalo's milk.

To this curd, add spoonfuls of sugar, a few grains of ground cardamom and saffron. Mix well and put in the refrigerator. You have an instant cooling dessert ready!

Top it with small pieces of fruit, like orange, apple and grapes to add flavour and richness.

 

 

The diet conscious can safely consume bowls of delicious yogurt made from cow's milk. A great summer cooler is this spiced buttermilk.

Churn the dahi along with some cold water. The liquid thus obtained is known as buttermilk. To serve, add a pinch of asafoetida, roasted cumin powder and salt to taste.

 

You could try versions with crushed mint leaves, sprinkled with fresh or dried ginger, or crushed ajwain (carom seeds).  

 

 

Note: Rang Panchami is an Indian festival. People play about with colored water and have fun splashing it on others. 

 

 

© Alaka