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Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Spice up your mornings with a variety of refreshing and flavorful Indian breakfast drinks. From the soothing warmth of Masala Chai to the invigorating flavours of Filter Coffee, India offers a plethora of delightful beverages to kickstart your day. In this article, we will take you on a flavorful journey through eight regional Indian breakfast drinks that will awaken your taste buds and provide you with a boost of energy. So, get ready to indulge in these vibrant and invigorating beverages that cater to the diverse palate of the Indian audience!
1. Masala Chai (North India):
Step into the aromatic world of North India with Masala Chai, a tantalising blend of black tea, milk, and a medley of spices. The fragrant spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, infuse the beverage with a warm and comforting essence. Sip on this rich and creamy chai, and let it transport you to the bustling streets of India.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons black tea leaves
- 1 cup milk
- 1-inch piece of grated ginger
- 4-5 crushed cardamom pods
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 cloves
- Sugar (to taste)
Method:
1. Boil water in a saucepan and add the tea leaves, grated ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
3. Add milk and sugar to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Strain the chai into cups and savour the delightful blend of flavours.
2. Filter Coffee (South India):
Travelling to South India, immerse yourself in the world of Filter Coffee. This strong and aromatic drink is made with freshly ground coffee beans, hot milk, and a touch of sweetness. The unique brewing technique using a traditional South Indian coffee filter ensures a smooth and rich cup of coffee that will awaken your senses and prepare you for the day ahead.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground coffee powder
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup milk
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
Method:
1. Place the coffee powder in the upper compartment of the coffee filter and gently tap to level it.
2. Pour boiling water over the coffee powder and allow it to drip slowly into the lower compartment.
3. In a separate saucepan, heat milk and sugar (if desired) until it simmers.
4. Combine the brewed coffee decoction with the hot milk, stirring well.
5. For a frothy layer, pour the coffee back and forth between two cups.
6. Serve the aromatic Filter Coffee in traditional steel tumblers and relish each sip.
3. Lassi (Punjab):
Experience the cool and creamy delight of Lassi, a traditional yoghourt-based drink from the vibrant state of Punjab. Lassi comes in various forms, including sweet, salty, and fruity variations. Made with yoghourt, chilled water, and a touch of sweetness, this refreshing beverage is a perfect accompaniment to a hearty breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yoghourt
- 1 cup chilled water
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
- Crushed pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)
Method:
1. Blend yoghurt, chilled water, sugar, and cardamom powder in a blender until smooth and frothy.
2. Pour the lassi into glasses and garnish with crushed pistachios or almonds.
3. Chill the lassi before serving and enjoy the creamy goodness.
4. Piyush (Maharashtra and Gujarat):
Indulge in the velvety richness of Piyush, a heavenly drink popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat. This delightful beverage combines buttermilk, shrikhand (sweetened strained yoghurt dessert), and a touch of saffron to create a creamy and aromatic treat. Piyush is a perfect choice to beat the summer heat and satiate your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shrikhand
- 1 cup buttermilk
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Method:
1. In a blender, combine shrikhand, buttermilk, saffron strands, and powdered sugar.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the Piyush into glasses and garnish with chopped nuts.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy the luscious flavours.
5. Kanji (North India):
In the northern regions of India, Kanji reigns supreme as a tangy and slightly spicy fermented beverage. Made with black carrots, mustard seeds, and a blend of spices, Kanji not only tantalises your taste buds but also aids digestion. Embark on a flavorful journey with this unique and invigorating drink.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 black carrots, peeled and julienned
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
Method:
1. Combine black carrots, water, mustard seeds, red chilli powder, black salt, asafoetida, and salt in a glass jar.
2. Mix well and cover the jar with a muslin cloth.
3. Allow the mixture to ferment in a warm place for 2-3 days.
4. Strain the Kanji and discard the solids.
5. Serve chilled and relish the tangy goodness.
6. Sattu Sherbet (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh):
For a healthy and protein-packed start to your day, try Sattu Sherbet, a refreshing beverage popular in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Sattu, a powdered mixture of roasted chickpeas and barley, is combined with water, lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness to create a nutritious and revitalising drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons sattu powder
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of black salt
Method:
1. In a glass, combine sattu powder and water.
2. Stir well to dissolve any lumps.
3. Add lemon juice, jaggery or sugar, and black salt.
4. Mix until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
5. Serve chilled and relish the wholesome goodness of Sattu Sherbet.
7. Neer Mor (Tamil Nadu):
Quench your thirst with the invigorating flavours of Neer Mor, a spiced buttermilk drink popular in Tamil Nadu. Diluted with water and infused with spices and curry leaves, Neer Mor provides a refreshing and digestive start to your day, especially during hot and humid mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup water
- A handful of fresh curry leaves
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
Method:
1. In a glass, combine buttermilk, water, fresh curry leaves, green chilli, asafoetida, and salt.
2. Stir well to blend the flavours.
3. Serve the chilled Neer Mor and enjoy its rejuvenating properties.
As you embark on a culinary journey through India's diverse regions, let these eight regional breakfast drinks tantalise your taste buds and energise your mornings. From the comforting Masala Chai to the nutritious Sattu Sherbet, each beverage offers a unique and delightful experience. So, sip, savour, and embrace the vibrant flavours of Indian breakfast drinks that cater to your taste preferences and provide a refreshing start to your day. Rise and shine with these invigorating concoctions and embrace the richness of India's culinary heritage!
