Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is made by blending yogurt with water and spices, such as salt or sugar. The origins of mango lassi can be traced back to the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, where mangoes are abundant and a popular fruit. It is believed to have been created as a way to enjoy the sweet and tropical flavor of mangoes while also providing a cooling and hydrating drink, especially during hot summer months. Lassi is known for its creamy texture and tart flavor, making it a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various dishes. It can be either savory or sweet, depending on the ingredients used. There are two main types of lassi: Mango lassi is a popular and refreshing drink that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is made from blending ripe mangoes with yogurt, water, and sugar or honey. Sometimes, spices like cardamom or saffron are added to enhance the flavor. Lassi has gained popularity not only in India but also in other parts of the world due to its delicious taste, creamy texture, and the refreshing feeling it provides. It has become a popular choice in Indian restaurants and is often served as a dessert or alongside spicy dishes to balance out the heat.
Why is this the best recipe?
Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses basic ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. Quick and Easy: It takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it a quick and convenient drink. Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and thickness of the lassi to suit your taste. Refreshing: The combination of yogurt, mango, and spices creates a refreshing and flavorful drink, perfect for hot days. Nutritious: Mango is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while yogurt provides probiotics and calcium. Versatile: This recipe serves as a base that you can customize by adding different fruits or spices to create your own variations.
Ingredients and substitutes
Mangoes – Use fresh chopped mango, frozen mango, mango puree, or canned. If using canned mango pulp, omit or reduce sugar in the recipe. If you have extra mangoes around freeze mangoes – to use off-season. Sugar / Honey – If you use fresh mangoes in the season, you won’t need much sugar. Start with less and then add if necessary. Honey or agave syrup works too. Yogurt – Thicker, whole milk yogurt will give a thicker lassi. Personally, I use my homemade yogurt from scratch made with 3% fat. You can use anything from Greek yogurt for a thick creamy to a low-fat yogurt for a light refreshing drink. Cardamom – This adds a nice flavor (not spicy) to the mangoes. Very common in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Use ground cardamom (from cardamom pods) for this recipe. Ice – Ice works great in summer drinks but if you want you could omit the ice and use just cold yogurt. The drink will be less thick but you will still enjoy it.
Best mango lassi recipe
Add the chopped mango, yogurt, milk, sugar, and ground cardamom to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sugar if needed. If desired, add a few ice cubes to the blender and blend again until smooth and frothy. Pour the lassi into glasses and serve chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or a mango slice if desired.
Tips for Success
Use ripe mangoes: Choose ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. They should be soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. Adjust sweetness: Taste the lassi before serving and adjust the amount of sugar or honey as needed to suit your preference. Consistency: If you prefer a thinner lassi, add more milk or water. For a thicker lassi, use less liquid. Chill ingredients: For a more refreshing drink, chill the yogurt, milk, and mango before blending. Variations: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or ginger for added flavor. You can also add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral touch. Garnish: Serve the lassi chilled and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or a few mango slices for an extra special touch.
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Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
Mango Minty Lassi: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender for a refreshing twist. or Mango Coconut Lassi: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical flavor. Mango Spicy Lassi: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. and Mango Protein Lassi: Add a scoop of protein powder to make it a more filling drink. Mango Mango Lassi: Blend in some pineapple or banana along with the mango for a tropical twist. Mango Cardamom Rose Lassi: Add a splash of rose water and a pinch of ground cardamom for a floral and aromatic touch. Mango Creamy Lassi: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream or coconut cream for an extra creamy texture.
Creative ways to serve mango lassi
Mango Popsicles: Pour the mango lassi mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing treat. Mango Parfait: Layer mango lassi with granola, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit in a glass for a delicious parfait. Mango Smoothie Bowl: Pour mango lassi into a bowl and top with granola, sliced fruit, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of honey for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Mango Float: Pour mango lassi into a glass and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a fun and indulgent treat. Mango Cocktail: Add a splash of rum or vodka to mango lassi for a tropical cocktail. Garnish with a slice of mango or a sprig of mint. Mango Sorbet: Pour mango lassi into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a sorbet-like consistency. Serve scoops of mango lassi sorbet for a light and refreshing dessert.
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