World Flavors Cookbook

Takra (Ancient Spiced Buttermilk)

Yogurt diluted with water and spiced with cumin, ginger, and rock salt — the Ayurvedic digestive drink prescribed daily after meals in the Charaka Samhita.

Cuisine: Ancient World

Ingredients

• plain yogurt, water (three parts water to one part yogurt), cumin seeds, fresh ginger, rock salt, fresh coriander

Instructions

1. Combine yogurt and water in a tall vessel. Churn vigorously with a stick or whisk until smooth and frothy. Toast cumin seeds briefly in a dry pan. Grind. Grate ginger finely. Add ground cumin, ginger, and rock salt to the churned buttermilk. Garnish with fresh coriander. Drink cool with meals.