Neer More
Author Notes: The concept of a savory summer drink probably goes against conventional wisdom, but this drink is a favorite in the hot and humid regions of South India (If you don't believe me, ask Pauljoseph!). also known as 'Chaas' in the northern regions of India, its made of diluted buttermilk with a touch of ginger, lime and an itsy bitsy hint of heat from green chili. Temples would make these in large clay pots for itinerant travelers to quench their thirst. and to this day, it is customary in small villages to offer a stranger a rejuvenating glass of 'Neer More'.
At home, I prefer it with chilled ice water while the other half likes his with lime flavored seltzer. They both taste great! - Panfusine
Makes 2 , 8 oz servings
- 4 ounces non fat or low fat buttermilk or kefir
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 4-5 curry leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- juice of 1/2 -1 lime
- Sea salt to taste
- 1/4-1/2 a small green chilli
- 1 stalk cilantro (optional)
- 12 ounces plain/lime flavored seltzer or plain chilled water
- a Pinch of toasted cumin powder (optional)
- In a mortar, muddle the ginger, curry leaves, green chili (the optional cilantro) and salt till the ginger & curry leaves are almost a coarse paste.
- Add to the buttermilk / kefir and whisk well till the flavors combine.
- Add the chilled seltzer, whisking to blend the buttermilk thoroughly.
- Strain into glasses. Garnish with cilantro & toasted cumin powder. Serve cold.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Dish in the Raw
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Soda Fountain Recipe



almost 2 years ago Kitchen Butterfly
Have all the ingredients to hand - will try it this weekend!
almost 2 years ago wssmom
I have to try this. Soon.
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
thanks wssmom! I'm sure you'll like it.
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
This really sounds good, and it does seem very refreshing!
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
Thanks hardlikearmour!
almost 2 years ago susan g
Neer as in paneer?
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
Neer Transalated in Tamil is water, & 'More' is the word for buttermilk. The term literally means watered down buttermilk. Despite being savory, it has an amazing way of quenching thirst on hot summer days.
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
This reminds me a little of a drink I used to make that I learned from my Iranian friend it had yogurt, sparkling water and mint. So refreshing and delicous. I like yours it has more kick. Great recipe as always
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
Thanks sdebrango!
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Can't help myself here: quoth the raven?
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
I'm lost.. what ???
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Never more,,,, ne'er more
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
omg, Panfusine, I'm sorry! I feel so stupid. Whenever I see anything that even looks like never (contracted to ne'er) and more together, I think of Edgar Allan Poe's raven who croaked like a broken record.
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
LOL!! me 'like'!!
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
All that nonsense aside, this is unlike anything I've ever tasted, and I look forward to the experience. I get how the blend of flavors, including the chili, would refresh indeed.
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
It certainly isn't nonsense..Food is all about making conversations & learning new stuff & this dialog is a perfect example!! (ok, now you've got me on the ne'er train of thought!)
almost 2 years ago susan g
Saving this for the next hot humid day -- which will be soon. We should have plenty of opportunity to cool down all summer with the fantastic drinks posted this week. Thanks, P.
almost 2 years ago Panfusine
Really looking fwd to attacking the EPs next week myself... No eggs.. eh Boulangere??? ;-)