India | Beverages | Yogurt | Spring | Summer

Lassi

(Indian yogurt drink)

Yield: 2-3 servings


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Yogurt 1 1/2 cups
Cream (opt.) 3 Tbsp
Rose water (opt.) 1 Tbsp
Fruit of your choice chopped 1/2 to 1 cup
Sugar 5-6 Tbsp
 
Ice cubes 9-10 each

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Puree
  1. Put first set of ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. One by one, add the ice cubes and blend further until they are broken down into a slush.
  3. Serve in a tall, cold glass on a hot day.

VARIATIONS

  • Good fruit choices are mangoes, papayas, strawberries, melons, lemons. You can use anything you like really.
  • Add a pinch of ground cardamom, a few strands of saffron or some chopped mint if you like.
  • Plain Lassi: eliminate the sugar, fruit and rose water. Substitute a pinch of salt and some toasted cumin seeds.
  • Bhang Lassi: traditional lassi with cannabis extract. Used in religious festivals.

NOTES

  • Lassi is a cooling yogurt beverage originally from the northern part of India. Traditionally lassi is unsweetened and has salt and some spices mixed in. More recently sweetened fruit lassis have become very popular.