Gondhoraj Ghol – A Fragrant Bengali Buttermilk

September 14, 2025

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A refreshing Bengali-style buttermilk infused with the fragrant zest of Gondhoraj lebu and a touch of ginger. Light, cooling, and ideal for summer time digestion and hydration.

When summer time strikes in full swing, our physique craves mild, hydrating, and cooling drinks that not solely quench thirst but additionally soothe the digestive system. While lemonades and chaas are summer time staples throughout India, Gondhoraj Ghol stands aside for its uniquely fragrant citrus hit that immediately uplifts the senses.

In this model, I’ve added a little bit of contemporary ginger to convey heat and steadiness. Ginger enhances the tanginess of curd and citrus superbly, making this spiced buttermilk not solely flavourful but additionally extremely digestive and gut-friendly.

Whether you’re internet hosting a lunch gathering or wish to unwind after a meal, this Gondhoraj Ghol is the right beverage to chill you down, refresh your palate, and transport you straight to the lanes of Bengal.

What is ‘Gondhoraj Lebu’ ?

If you’ve by no means come throughout Gondhoraj earlier than, you’re in for a deal with! Native to Bengal, Gondhoraj Lebu is fondly known as the ‘King of Limes’.

Unlike common limes, it has little or no juice, a protracted and skinny pores and skin, however an intense, floral, zesty aroma that makes it prized in Bengali kitchens. From dal to fish curries and drinks like ghol, a touch of Gondhoraj zest or juice can fully remodel the flavour profile.

What is ‘Gondhoraj Ghol’ ?

Gondhoraj Ghol is a Bengali-style savory buttermilk infused with the zest and juice of Gondhoraj Lebu, a aromatic lime selection from West Bengal. It’s mild, tangy, mildly spiced, and acts as a pure digestive drink. This is Bengal’s reply to chaas or neer mor, however with a royal citrus twist.

Why you’ll love this recipe –

Light, cooling, and ideal for Indian summers
Packed with probiotics and digestive spices
Unique fragrant taste from Gondhoraj zest
A heat gingery be aware to steadiness the tang
Quick and straightforward with minimal components

Making of Gondhoraj Ghol –

To make Gondhoraj Ghol, begin by whisking chilled curd in a bowl or mixing it till clean, then add chilly water to attain a light-weight, buttermilk-like consistency.

Into this base, combine in grated Gondhoraj lime zest, its juice, freshly grated ginger, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and a pinch of sugar if desired.

Stir every little thing effectively to mix the flavors. For a smoother texture, you possibly can pressure the ghol via a effective sieve to take away any bits of zest or ginger.

Finally, pour it into serving glasses, garnish with mint leaves or a skinny slice of Gondhoraj lime, and revel in instantly or after chilling for 20–half-hour.

Recipe variations –

Here are a couple of methods to tweak the recipe relying in your style or the supply of components:

1. no Ginger model :

Skip the ginger totally for a extra conventional and purely citrusy model of Gondhoraj Ghol.

2. with Green Chili kick :

Add a slit inexperienced chili whereas mixing to introduce a slight warmth — a trick some Bengali households love.

3. Vegan possibility :

Use plant-based yogurt, corresponding to almond or coconut curd, for a dairy-free different. Ensure the yogurt is unsweetened and barely tangy.

4. with tender Curry Leaves :

For South Indian fusion, a couple of crushed curry leaves could be added whereas mixing for an herbaceous twist.

Serving recommendations –

Serve as a welcome drink for summer time get-togethers or puja thalis.
Pair it with heavy or spicy meals corresponding to biryani or paratha for a cooling impact.
Works superbly as a post-meal digestive on sizzling days.
Serve in earthen kulhads for a country, conventional presentation.

Storage ideas –

Gondhoraj Ghol tastes greatest when contemporary, however you possibly can refrigerate it for as much as 1 day.
If making forward, preserve the combination chilled and add zest/juice simply earlier than serving for optimum aroma.

Notes & Tips –

Do not over-zest the lime – simply the inexperienced outer layer. The white pith could make the drink bitter.
Always use contemporary ginger and keep away from store-bought paste for higher taste and aroma.
You can add a couple of ice cubes whereas serving, however don’t allow them to dilute the ghol an excessive amount of.
If Gondhoraj lebu is unavailable, attempt Kaffir lime zest instead, although the aroma will differ.

Final Thoughts –

This Gondhoraj Ghol with Ginger is a testomony to how easy, humble components can come collectively to create one thing deeply satisfying. Every sip carries the creamy tang of curd, the citrusy fragrance of Gondhoraj, and the light heat of ginger. It’s a drink that cools the physique, calms the abdomen, and delights the senses — suddenly.

I hope this recipe finds a particular place in your summer time menu. Don’t overlook to seize your model and tag me on Instagram @firsttimercook. I’d like to see your artistic takes and the way you model this drink!

📖 RECIPE CARD