Strawberry Buttermilk Recipe – Easy Flax Seed Summer Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Buttermilk Recipe – Easy Flax Seed Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing drink to beat the summer heat. And honestly, this Strawberry Buttermilk recipe is my go-to. It’s unbelievably easy, tastes like sunshine in a glass, and has a little boost of goodness from flax seeds. I first made this when my niece came to visit, and she absolutely loved it – now it’s a family favourite! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another strawberry drink. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy, with a subtle nutty flavour from the flax seed. It takes just 5 minutes to whip up, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. Plus, buttermilk is naturally cooling, making it ideal for those scorching summer days. It’s a delightful treat that’s both healthy and delicious!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Strawberry Buttermilk:

• 2 cups strawberries (about 300g)
• 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
• ?? cup ice (adjust to preference)
• 1 teaspoon flax seed meal (about 5g)
• ?? tablespoon sugar (or agave, to taste)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Strawberries: Choosing the Best Variety

The flavour of your strawberries will really shine through, so pick the best you can find. I prefer using sweet, ripe strawberries – the kind that smell amazing! Local, in-season berries are always the best, but if you’re using store-bought, look for bright red berries with fresh green caps.

Buttermilk: Traditional vs. Store-Bought

Traditionally, buttermilk was the liquid left over after churning butter. Nowadays, it’s usually cultured milk. You can find buttermilk in most supermarkets, but if you can’t, you can easily make a substitute (see FAQs!). The tanginess of buttermilk is key to balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.

Flax Seed Meal: Benefits and Alternatives

Flax seed meal adds a lovely nutty flavour and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. You can find it pre-ground, or grind your own flax seeds. If you don’t have flax seed meal, you can substitute with chia seeds (about 1 tablespoon) – they’ll thicken the drink slightly.

Ice: Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The amount of ice you use will determine how thick your drink is. Start with about ½ cup and add more until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine nice and frosty!

Sweetener Options: Sugar vs. Agave & Regional Preferences

I usually use sugar, but agave nectar or honey work beautifully too. In some parts of India, people prefer using jaggery (gur) for a more traditional flavour. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking – strawberries vary in sweetness!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic!

1. Hull the strawberries and chop them into small pieces. This helps them blend more easily.
2. Now, add the chopped strawberries, buttermilk, flax seed meal, and ice to your blender.
3. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy – usually about 1-2 minutes.
4. Give it a taste! If you prefer it sweeter, add sugar or agave, and blend briefly to mix it in.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to take your Strawberry Buttermilk to the next level? Here are a few of my favourite tricks:

Achieving the Creamiest Texture

For an extra creamy texture, chill the buttermilk beforehand. It makes a noticeable difference!

Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more gradually, tasting as you go. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Preventing a Watery Drink

Don’t over-blend! Over-blending can melt the ice and make the drink watery. Blend just until smooth.

Using Frozen Strawberries

Frozen strawberries work great in this recipe! You might need to add a little extra buttermilk to help it blend smoothly. They also make the drink extra cold and thick.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Strawberry Buttermilk (Plant-Based Milk Options)

To make this vegan, simply substitute the buttermilk with plant-based yogurt or almond milk. Coconut yogurt adds a lovely tropical twist! My friend, Priya, swears by using cashew milk for the creamiest vegan version.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Buttermilk (Naturally Gluten-Free)

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. No adjustments needed.

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Ginger

For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of cardamom powder or a small piece of grated ginger to the blender. It’s especially lovely during the cooler months.

Festival Adaptations: Summer Solstice & Teej Celebrations

During festivals like Teej, you can add a few rose petals for a fragrant and festive touch. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate!

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Buttermilk is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:

• Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice.
• Serve with a light snack like biscuits or a fruit salad.
• Pair it with a spicy Indian meal to cool your palate.

Storage Instructions

This drink is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture might change slightly, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this drink suitable for diabetics?

It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional. While strawberries have a relatively low glycemic index, the sugar content in the recipe needs to be considered. You can use a sugar substitute if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Not really. It’s best made fresh to maintain its texture and flavour.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Can I use other berries besides strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend would all be delicious.

How can I make this a thicker smoothie/lassi?

Use frozen strawberries, add more ice, or include a tablespoon of yogurt. You can also add a small piece of banana for extra creaminess.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Buttermilk! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of summer joy to your day. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!