Chass


 * For the award-winning sports writer, see Murray Chass

Chass is the word used for buttermilk in Rajasthani and Gujarati. Chass is the traditional Gujarati beverage from Gujarat, India. It is similar to, but cheaper than, Lassi. In many parts of Gujarat, like Saurastra, it is used in place of drinking water. The main reason of chass being used is the scarceness of drinking water and the heat in the region. Chass is considered as a cool drink which keeps the body temperature down in summer.

Preparation
The residue liquid from making butter is one type of chass. In fact Chass can also be prepared using pure yogurt or curd. People from Gujarat add water to curd and blend it. Salt, cumin and sometimes sugar are added for flavour and taste.

In modern days, different flavours are added to chass to make it tastier. Rose flavour with some amount of sugar makes a delicious sweet drink, similar to Lassi. Vendors like Amul have come up with their proprietary product named Masala Chass.