A sattu drink takes less than five minutes and needs no cooking, because sattu is made from chana that is already roasted. Below are three ways to make it: the classic salty cooler, a sweet version, and a thick smoothie. All three use plain Natural Sattu.

1. Salty sattu drink (sattu sharbat)

The one you'll find at roadside stalls across Bihar in summer: tangy, savoury and very refreshing.

Makes 1 glass · Ready in 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2–3 tablespoons (about 30 g) sattu
  • 1 glass (250 ml) chilled water
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin (jeera) powder
  • A pinch of black salt (kala namak), to taste
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (optional)
  • 1 finely chopped green chilli (optional)
  • A few chopped mint or coriander leaves (optional)

Method

  1. Put the sattu in a glass and add 3–4 tablespoons of the water. Stir into a smooth, lump-free paste.
  2. Slowly pour in the rest of the water, stirring all the time.
  3. Add the lemon juice, roasted jeera powder and black salt. Stir well and taste.
  4. Add the onion, green chilli and mint if you like it sharper. Drink straight away, stirring once more before you sip.

2. Sweet sattu drink

A gentler, filling drink that works well for breakfast. Use water for a lighter glass or milk for a richer one.

Makes 1 glass · Ready in 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2–3 tablespoons (about 30 g) sattu
  • 1 glass (250 ml) chilled water or milk
  • 1–2 teaspoons jaggery powder, or to taste
  • A pinch of cardamom (elaichi) powder (optional)

Method

  1. Mix the sattu with a few tablespoons of the water or milk into a smooth paste.
  2. Stir in the jaggery until it dissolves.
  3. Pour in the rest of the liquid while stirring, then add the cardamom.

3. Sattu banana smoothie

Thick and filling: good after a workout or as a quick breakfast.

Makes 1 large glass · Ready in 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2–3 tablespoons (about 30 g) sattu
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 glass (250 ml) cold milk or plant milk
  • 1 teaspoon jaggery or honey (optional)
  • A few ice cubes

Method

  1. Add everything to a blender.
  2. Blend for 20–30 seconds until smooth, then serve straight away.

Tips for the perfect glass

  • Make a paste first. Mixing sattu with a little liquid before adding the rest is the easiest way to avoid lumps.
  • Use cold liquid for the classic summer drink. It also stops the sattu from clumping.
  • Stir before every few sips. Sattu settles at the bottom of the glass.
  • Shake it in a bottle if you are on the go: sattu, water and salt in a shaker bottle works well.
  • Start small if you are new to sattu. One tablespoon a glass is fine at first because it is high in fibre.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a sattu drink with hot water?

You can use warm water in winter, but the traditional drink is made cold. Very hot water can make the sattu lumpy.

How much sattu should I put in one glass?

Two to three tablespoons (about 30 g) in 250 ml is the usual amount. Use less for a thinner drink and more for a thicker one.

Can I make it in advance?

It is best fresh. If you make it ahead, keep it in the fridge, have it the same day, and shake or stir well before drinking.

Want to know what sattu does for you?

Read our guide to the benefits of sattu, including how much to have in a day.