Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk Drink)

Popular in India for its cooling properties, this tangy-spicy drink is just the thing to settle your stomach after too much rich food. I use kefir here because of its probiotic properties and its flavor parallels to Indian buttermilk. 

Black salt has a distinctive flavor profile and a strong smell that's reminiscent of hard-boiled eggs. Don't be terrified when you take a whiff! Just a little bit adds a mellow, exotic punch to this chaas. Look for it in Indian markets, order it online, or ask me if you're local and I'll give you a bit to try. You can substitute regular salt if you can't find the black salt, but the drink won't be the same without it.

1 small handful mint leaves
1 small handful cilantro leaves
1/2 green chile, seeded
1" of fresh ginger, grated to make 2-3 tsp
1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black salt
1 1/2 c kefir
1 c water
4-5 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients in blender until mostly smooth. How easy was that? Serves 2.