As parents, we all try to nurture our children with best of our abilities. We focus on every aspect of their life, nutrition being the most crucial part. When we talk about kids nutrition, it is absolutely up to the parents what kind of food choices they want their kids to make. Once the child step into teenage years, it becomes hard to influence their choices in life. But to turn them into responsible adults, the initial foundational years play an incredibly important role. So if you want your kids to choose plant-based foods more often, then set inspiration by following the same pattern yourself. Starting early and being a good role model for them will help in the long run. Hence today’s recipe of Vegan Buttermilk is something that I want to share with you all.
I always encourage my daughter to drink lots of water. She being a five year old still doesn’t understand my fuss with keeping her well-hydrated. And me being a smart parent try to find alternative ways to keep her hydrated.
Earlier I used to freak out why she didn’t like water and why she would not listen to me. But it’s just her brain that is not fully wired to understand the repercussions of disobeying her mommy.
But of course, I want her to stay healthy. And no matter what, I make sure I make it happen. I feel thankful that there are so many ways I can dilute water to make healthy beverages, which also enhances its taste!! For me, the best way to get her to drink her water is through juices, soups, lemonade, smoothies, shakes, and chhaas, or Indian buttermilk. However, I sometimes like to make vegan buttermilk since it is a much healthier option.
What is Chhaas?
Chhaas is an Indian version of buttermilk with spices and good water content. It can be sweet too. Yogurt being the key ingredient, the drink makes for a popular beverage during summers when you need that internal cooling effect. Also, yogurt is a source of probiotics which keeps your gut health in check. Furthermore, adding spices to it helps in digesting food optimally.
We all know winters are a time when our bodies slow down, and so does our digestion. That’s why many love to have it during winter season because it helps aid digestion. Also, the need for hydration during colder months increase to keep dryness away. Drinking healthy fluids such as vegan buttermilk can help wave off winter blues too. It’s refreshing taste will make you feel rejuvenated and active. That is why buttermilk forms an important part of a farmer’s diet in rural India.
Why substitute with vegan buttermilk ?
For me, this particular drink is the best remedy to keep my little one hydrated. You can very well make it using yogurt, but those who are on a plant-based diet can use ripe avocado as a substitute. Also, with avocado, you get so many other health benefits that yogurt doesn’t offer. If you are tired of regular yogurt-based buttermilk, then head to this recipe. It is a great way to add more plant-based ingredients into your diet. More than anything, the taste is the same as a traditional Chhaas.
Not only you take a break from the usual dairy-based buttermilk, your kids learn the importance of choosing plant-based foods. Along with avocado, I have added fresh coriander and mint leaves with few lime drops to help absorb all the iron. Iron is crucial for kids health but we often forget that without Vitamin C, body does not absorb iron. So always make sure to combine the two. Read this in-depth article to know plant-based iron rich foods for kids with iron deficiency.
Smoothies are another great way to keep your kids well hydrated as well as healthy. Check the easy and quick to prepare recipes for green smoothie and blueberry banana smoothie. Your kids and you will enjoy the health benefits of consuming more plant-based foods. Because when kids thrive, we parents thrive. And when we thrive, kids thrive even more.
Ingredients
- 1 Ripe Avocado
- half cup/a handful Chopped Coriander Leaves
- 9-10 Dry/Fresh Mint Leaves
- As per taste Black Salt
- As per taste Black Pepper
- 1-2 Tsp Cumin Powder
- 1-2 cups water
- half or as per likeness for sour taste Lemon
Instructions
- In a blending jar, add ripened avocado along with fresh coriander leaves, dry/fresh mint leaves, black salt, black pepper, cumin powder, lemon juice, and water.
- Blend everything until you get a smooth texture.
- You can serve the mixture as it is or for refiner taste, filter out the fiber or pulp through sieve.
Notes
- Add more or less water to adjust consistency according to your taste. Also, if you want, you can fit the taste of spices and lemon as per your preferences. However, make sure to blend everything thoroughly to make sure no avocado chunks are left behind. So try using ripened avocado for this recipe.