Spring

Neer More

by:
June  2, 2011
0
0 Ratings
Neer More
  • Makes 2 , 8 oz servings
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

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 4 ounces non fat or low fat buttermilk or kefir
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
  • 4-5 curry leaves
  • 1 stalk cilantro finely chopped
  • 1/4-1/2 a small green chilli,
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • juice of 1/2 -1 lime, freshly squezed
  • Sea salt to taste
  • 12 ounces plain/lime flavored seltzer or plain chilled water
  • a Pinch of toasted cumin powder (optional)
Directions
  1. In a mortar, muddle the ginger, curry leaves, green chili, cilantro and salt till the ginger & curry leaves are almost a coarse paste.
  2. Add to the buttermilk / kefir and whisk well till the flavors combine.
  3. Add the chilled seltzer, whisking to blend the buttermilk thoroughly.
  4. Strain into glasses. Garnish with extra cilantro & toasted cumin powder. Serve cold.
Tags:
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Kitchen Butterfly
    Kitchen Butterfly
  • wssmom
    wssmom
  • hardlikearmour
    hardlikearmour
  • susan g
    susan g
  • boulangere
    boulangere
Panfusine
A biomedical engineer/ neuroscientist by training, currently a mommy blogger on a quest for all things food - Indian Palate, Global perspective!

Popular on Food52

16 Reviews

Kitchen B.
Kitchen B. June 24, 2011
Have all the ingredients to hand - will try it this weekend!
 
wssmom
wssmom June 2, 2011
I have to try this. Soon.
 
Panfusine
Panfusine June 2, 2011
thanks wssmom! I'm sure you'll like it.
 
hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour June 2, 2011
This really sounds good, and it does seem very refreshing!
 
Panfusine
Panfusine June 2, 2011
Thanks hardlikearmour!
 
susan G.
susan G. June 2, 2011
Neer as in paneer?
 
Panfusine
Panfusine June 2, 2011
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.
 
boulangere
boulangere June 2, 2011
Can't help myself here: quoth the raven?
 
Panfusine
Panfusine June 2, 2011
I'm lost.. what ???
 
boulangere
boulangere June 2, 2011
Never more,,,, ne'er more
 
boulangere
boulangere June 2, 2011
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.
 
Panfusine
Panfusine June 2, 2011
LOL!! me 'like'!!
 
boulangere
boulangere June 2, 2011
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.
 
Panfusine
Panfusine June 2, 2011
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!)
 
susan G.
susan G. June 2, 2011
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.
 
Panfusine
Panfusine June 2, 2011
Really looking fwd to attacking the EPs next week myself... No eggs.. eh Boulangere??? ;-)