Indian summer is very hot and humid, but growing up in Shillong, which is a hill station, I was saved from that. But very occasionally when I visited Kolkata during peak summer months, I drank Doi Ghol on repeat every day. Doi ghol is a healthy summer drink, essential to keep the tummy cool. It is not sweet nor savory. It rather has a lovely balance and can be made aromatic by adding lemon leaves.
Ingredients for Doi Ghol
Yogurt - You can use any variety of yogurt, and it doesn’t need to be thick yogurt. Jaggery - Doi ghol is sweetened with jaggery. You can use any variety of jaggery or use jaggery powder if you like. Jaggery is an unrefined sugar product and in India we call it “gur” We use gur in several different ways, from making snacks like Gur Makhana to desserts like Dudh Puli and Khejur Gurer Payesh. I also make granola using jaggery Spices - What makes Doi ghol different from North Indian lassi is the usage of this homemade spice called Bhaja Moshla. It is an essential spice used in several Bengali dishes. And it can also be used an aromatic sprinkle on chaat and other dishes to enhance the flavor. Bhaja Moshla is prepared by roasting cumin seeds, coriander seeds and fennel seeds. The roasted seeds are then ground to make Bhaja Moshla. Salt - A tiny pinch of salt will enhance the taste of doi ghol without making it salty. Traditionally black salt is added which has a strong pungent aroma. The overall taste is refreshing, light and a good balance of sweet and savory.
Steps to prepare
1 - Make the bhaja moshla by dry roasting cumin seeds, coriander seeds and fennel seeds. Then let it cook down to room temperature. 2- Ground the roasted spices to bhaja moshla powder 3- To a blender, add the yogurt of your choice. You can even try vegan yogurt if you like. 4- To thin out the consistency, add equal amount of water. 5- To the yogurt add 1 teaspoon of the bhaja moshla, pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon jaggery powder. 6 - Blend and enjoy with ice cubes.
What makes Doi Ghol different from lassi or buttermilk?
Lassi has a thicker consistency and sweet aroma from cardamom or any variety of fruit you add. Mango lassi or strawberry lassi is a great summer yogurt drink. Doi Ghol is more aromatic from the usage of the homemade fresh spice powder. In Kolkata, you can find special variety of aromatic lemon, called gondhoraj lebu which is often added in this yogurt drink too.
