Piyush

Piyush is a refreshing sweet drink, kind of like a thick shake made with hung curd and buttermilk. It is very good for the tummy (the probiotics). Enriched with pistachios and saffron, the piyush is to be served cold, as a pleasant summer drink.

Serves: 4 Persons

Prep. Time:  15 Mins. + Refrigeration

Ingredients:

[Standard Measure – 1 cup = 200 ml.]

• Hung Curds [Chakka] – 1 cup
• Buttermilk (plain) – 500 ml.
• Powdered Sugar – ½ cup
• Cold Milk – ½ cup
• Warm Milk – 2 tbsp.
• Pistachios (finely chopped) – 10 to 12
• Saffron [Kesar] – 10 to 12 strands
• Cardamom [Elaichi] Powder – ½ tsp.
• Nutmeg [Jaifal] (grated) – ½ tsp.
• Salt – a small pinch

Step 1:     Crush the strands of saffron using a mortar and pestle and soak in the 2 tbsp. of warm milk. Leave aside for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2:     Take the chakka and sugar in a big bowl and whisk till smooth and the sugar has dissolved.

Step 3:     Add the buttermilk to the bowl and ½ cup of the cold milk and whisk well till smooth.

Step 4:     Next add the saffron milk, cardamom and nutmeg to the bowl and mix well. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Serve chilled with a liberal garnish of the chopped pistachios.