Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink that soothes one on a hot day. It can either be sweet or salty, and each variety is namable: Mango Lassi or Rose Lassi. Below is a simple recipe for sweet Lassi, along with some tips on different variations.
Ingredients:
Basic Sweet Lassi:
- 2 cups plain yogurt, chilled
- 1/2 cup cold water (or milk, if extra creamy in texture one wants):
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar, (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder, (optional)
- A few ice cubes, (optional)
Garnish: (Optional)
- Chopped nuts, (like pistachios or almonds)
- Saffron strands
- Rose petals
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, add chilled yogurt, cold water, or milk, sugar and cardamom powder. Blend till smooth and frothy. You can also use a whisk if a blender is unavailable.
- Check for sweetness: Test the lassi for sweetness and add sugar if required.
- Serve: Pour the lassi into serving glasses. If you want, put some ice cubes inside each glass.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a few chopped nuts or some strands of saffron or rose petals on top for added flavor and presentation.
Variations:
- Mango Lassi: Add 1 cup of fresh or canned mango pulp in the blender along with other ingredients. Add sugar depending upon the sweetness of the mango.
- Rose Lassi: Mix 1-2 tablespoons rose syrup or rose water into the lassi mixture for a fragrant and refreshing drink.
- Salted Lassi: Omit the sugar in the recipe and add a pinch of salt instead. A bit of roasted cumin powder or mint leaves can be added to it for extra flavor.
- Mint Lassi: Add a fistful of fresh mint leaves into the yogurt and blend for a refreshing minty flavor.
Serving:
- Serve immediately, while the lassi is at its best and cold. This is a great drink that goes well with spicy food or just by itself as a cooling treat.
Delicious and refreshing Lassi!