8 Refreshing Buttermilk Delights for Your Lunch Menu

Explore the versatility of buttermilk with eight flavorful lunch dishes. Learn how this gut-friendly ingredient can transform your meals.

Buttermilk Kadhi Bliss

Originating from Uttar Pradesh, this lighter version of Kadhi offers a subtle tang, differing from its Punjabi counterpart. It's a harmonious blend of besan

(gram flour) and buttermilk, enhanced with the fragrant tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. This dish is particularly delightful when paired with plain steamed rice, making it a wholesome and comforting lunch option that aids digestion.

Mor Kuzhambu Magic

A staple in South Indian cuisine, Mor Kuzhambu is a spiced buttermilk curry ingeniously thickened with a creamy coconut paste. Its flavor profile is further enriched by aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and dried red chillies. Often incorporating cooling vegetables such as ash gourd or okra, this dish is a cooling balm, perfect for a warm day and known for its soothing qualities.

Spiced Chaas Refreshment

While excellent for breakfast, Spiced Chaas is also a perfect palate cleanser after a hearty meal. This invigorating drink is crafted from buttermilk and beautifully seasoned with toasted cumin, fresh ginger, fragrant curry leaves, and a touch of salt. Its digestive properties make it an ideal choice for maintaining gut health throughout the day.

Comforting Buttermilk Rice

Also affectionately known as Chaas Bhaat, this one-pot wonder is the epitome of comfort food. It masterfully combines cooked rice with cooling buttermilk, enhanced by the warm notes of roasted red chilli, toasted cumin, salt, and a hint of pepper. This simple yet satisfying dish provides a complete and nourishing meal.

Vegetable Buttermilk Curry

As its name clearly indicates, this is a substantial main course dish. It features a medley of seasonal vegetables gently simmered in a delicately thin gravy made from buttermilk. This curry is exceptionally well-suited to be served alongside soft parottas or fluffy steamed rice, offering a flavorful and nutritious lunch experience.

Kerala's Avial Delight

Hailing from Kerala, Avial is a vibrant dish showcasing an assortment of mixed vegetables. These are expertly cooked with a blend of coconut and cumin, and then finished with a swirl of buttermilk or curd to impart a subtle, pleasing tang. It’s a colorful and healthful addition to any lunch spread.

Buttermilk Raita Accompaniment

This cooling side dish is a versatile partner for both rice and roti. It begins with a base of buttermilk, to which finely chopped onion and tomato are added. A flavorful 'tadka' of tempered curry leaves and mustard seeds provides a delightful aromatic finish, enhancing the overall meal.

Savory Buttermilk Chilla

A true breakfast treat that also works wonderfully for a light lunch, Buttermilk Chilla is a savory pancake. It’s made by combining sooji (semolina) and gram flour with buttermilk, then seasoned with finely chopped vegetables and spices. Cooked to a golden crisp on a greased skillet, these chillas are both nutritious and delicious.