8 Delicious Buttermilk Recipes to Elevate Your Indian Lunch Menu

Unlock the delightful potential of buttermilk! This article unveils 8 easy Indian dishes, showcasing its cooling and versatile nature for a wholesome lunch.

Buttermilk Kadhi Delight

Originating from Uttar Pradesh, this kadhi offers a lighter, tangier alternative to its Punjabi cousin. It's a simple yet flavorful preparation where gram

flour (besan) is whisked with buttermilk, creating a smooth base. The dish is then elevated with a tempering of mustard seeds and fragrant curry leaves. This preparation is wonderfully complemented by steamed rice, making it an ideal, easily digestible option for the midday meal. Its mild tang and cooling properties make it a perfect partner for a hearty rice portion, offering both comfort and nourishment.

Mor Kuzhambu Charm

Hailing from the culinary landscape of South India, Mor Kuzhambu is a wonderfully spiced buttermilk curry. Its creamy texture is achieved by thickening with freshly ground coconut, which is often blended with cumin, coriander, and dried red chillies for a gentle warmth. This flavorful base is then enriched with seasonal vegetables such as tender ash gourd or slightly tangy okra. The result is an exceptionally cooling and comforting dish, perfect for combating the midday heat and providing a wholesome, nutrient-rich meal alongside rice.

Spiced Chaas Refreshment

This invigorating beverage, Spiced Chaas, is more than just a drink; it's a refreshing accompaniment or a light start to the day. Crafted from buttermilk, it’s seasoned with fragrant roasted cumin seeds, a hint of fresh ginger, and aromatic curry leaves, finished with a pinch of salt. Its digestive properties make it particularly beneficial after a heavy meal, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health. It can be enjoyed at breakfast or as a palate cleanser throughout the day, embodying simplicity and well-being.

Comforting Buttermilk Rice

Known affectionately as Chaas Bhaat, this dish is the epitome of a comforting one-pot meal. It artfully combines cooked rice with creamy buttermilk, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience. The flavors are enhanced with a subtle seasoning of roasted red chilli for a touch of heat, roasted cumin for earthiness, and a balance of salt and pepper. This preparation is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to option for a quick yet nourishing lunch that warms the soul.

Buttermilk Vegetable Curry

This main course preparation, as its name suggests, features an assortment of seasonal vegetables gently simmered in a thin, flavorful buttermilk gravy. The tanginess of the buttermilk provides a unique base that beautifully complements the natural flavors of the vegetables. It's a versatile dish that pairs exceptionally well with both fluffy parotta or perfectly steamed rice. This dish offers a light yet satisfying main course, brimming with the goodness of vegetables and the subtle, cooling notes of buttermilk, making it a wholesome lunch choice.

Avial's Kerala Flair

Hailing from the verdant state of Kerala, Avial is a vibrant medley of mixed vegetables. These vegetables are typically cooked together with grated coconut and a hint of cumin, creating a subtly spiced and aromatic base. The dish is then finished with a touch of buttermilk or curd, which imparts a delicate tang and a smoother consistency. This layered approach to flavor and texture makes Avial a uniquely satisfying and healthy dish, often served as part of a larger South Indian feast.

Refreshing Buttermilk Raita

Serving as a delightful side dish, Buttermilk Raita is a cooling accompaniment to rice and roti. It is prepared by whisking buttermilk with finely chopped onions and tomatoes, offering a fresh, crisp contrast to richer main courses. The flavor is further enhanced with a traditional tempering (tadka) of mustard seeds and curry leaves, adding a fragrant aroma and a gentle spice. This simple yet effective raita provides a creamy texture and a tangy zest that brightens any meal.

Savory Buttermilk Chilla

A popular breakfast or light meal option, Buttermilk Chilla is a delightful savory pancake. It is made by combining fine semolina (sooji) and gram flour (besan) with buttermilk, creating a smooth, pourable batter. This batter is then seasoned generously with finely chopped vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices, adding layers of flavor and texture. Cooked on a lightly greased skillet until golden brown, these chillas are light, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a wholesome start or a light lunch.