### Neer Mor: A Cool South Indian Buttermilk Beverage Recipe
Neer mor, or Neer moru in Tamil, is a classic South Indian buttermilk drink known for being a revitalizing option during the warm summer season. This refreshing drink is mainly prepared with fresh, thick curd and enhanced with green chilies, ginger, and curry leaves, making it both wholesome and tasty.
#### What is Neer Mor?
Neer mor is a savory yogurt drink that contrasts with its sweeter variant, lassi. With a high water content, akin to chaas or mattha, it is cherished for its lightness and easy digestibility. It goes by different names in various South Indian languages, such as majjiga in Telugu, majjige in Kannada, and sambaram in Malayalam. This beverage is not merely a household staple in South India but also holds significant cultural and religious relevance.
#### Cultural Significance
In numerous South Indian families, particularly during the hotter months, mothers and grandmothers prepare neer mor in earthen pots. This drink is not only served to family members but also shared with guests, underlining its role in hospitality. Neer mor is frequently presented at the conclusion of a meal to aid digestion, making it a vital component of a traditional South Indian thali. The probiotic qualities of buttermilk contribute to hydrating the body and alleviating fatigue and excessive perspiration.
During festivals such as Sri Ram Navami, neer mor is presented to Lord Rama alongside vadapappu panakam. It is also made to mark the Tamil New Year, which occurs on April 14th.
#### Ingredients and Preparation
To prepare neer mor, the typical ingredients include:
– Fresh thick curd (yogurt)
– Water
– Green chilies
– Ginger
– Curry leaves
– Salt (to taste)
The process of making neer mor can differ between households, with each cook having their distinct spice mix. Some might create a paste using green chilies and ginger, while others might prefer simply adding slit or chopped green chilies and grated ginger directly to the buttermilk.
Here is a straightforward method to prepare neer mor:
1. **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup fresh thick curd
– 2 cups water (modify for preferred thickness)
– 1-2 green chilies, slit or chopped
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– A few curry leaves
– Salt to taste
2. **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the fresh curd until it becomes smooth.
2. Gradually add water to reach the desired consistency.
3. Mix in the slit green chilies, grated ginger, and salt.
4. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Optionally, you may temper mustard seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves in a small amount of oil and incorporate this into the buttermilk for an added flavor dimension.
6. Serve chilled, removing the green chilies if preferred.
#### Variations
Though the fundamental recipe is quite simple, there are numerous variations. Some households may incorporate a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves, enriching the flavor profile. Using fresh, well-set thick curd along with freshly gathered herbs is essential to truly enjoy the essence of neer mor.
#### Conclusion
Neer mor is not merely a drink; it represents a cultural emblem of hospitality and tradition in South India. Its health advantages, refreshing flavor, and simple preparation render it one of the finest summer beverages. Whether savored at home or offered to visitors, neer mor is a delightful method to keep cool and hydrated throughout the scorching summer months.