I’ve probably said this before, but I’m an absolute sucker for the buffet at Indian restaurants. Not only because I absolutely LOVE Indian food. But mainly due to the fact that it’s such a great way to sample so many different dishes in one go. And while I always try my best to eat something different every time, there’s consistently one thing that I must get. Mango lassi!
It’s such a delicious and refreshing drink that is great all by itself. But it’s even better when paired with heavily spiced Indian dishes. And thankfully you don’t have to hit up your local Indian joint to enjoy a perfect mango lassi. As you can easily make this drink right at home with a few readily available ingredients, and a simple blender.
What is Lassi?
Lassi is a traditional drink from Northern India consisting of blended yogurt, milk/water, and spices. The original version called Namkeen Lassi is often just yogurt that is diluted with water and has salt added to it. And in many ways can be viewed as a cousin to the Persian Doogh and Turkish Ayran. However, If you order a lassi in any Indian restaurant found around the world you will most likely get a version that is sweetened with sugar.
But it doesn’t stop there, as these sweetened versions frequently include all sorts of added flavorings. From mild rosewater, to acidic lemon or lime juice, and even freshly pureed fruit like banana, strawberry, or watermelon. But by far the most popular version adds in pureed mangos. This not only gives the drink great flavor but also results in a creamy, almost milkshake like consistency.
Tips, Tricks & Suggestions
- Frozen vs fresh mangos? As always if you can get your hands on fresh mangos when they are in season then that’s what you should go with. However, if mangos aren’t in season or the ones for sale at your local grocery store are of low quality then feel free to use frozen mangos. They’ll both result in a delicious tasting mango lassi.
- If you are using fresh mangos and have never cut one up before, then I highly recommend you check out our quick lesson on how to cut up a mango.
- Try and use full-fat yogurt and milk as it will result in a much more rich and creamier texture.
- Check out some of our other great refreshing drink recipes like Classic Lemonade, Watermelon Agua Fresca, and Limonada de Coco.
Mango Lassi Recipe
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
1½ Cups of diced fresh mango
1 Cup of yogurt
½ Cup of cold milk or cold water, or more depending on desired consistency
2 Teaspoons of granulated sugar, or more to taste
A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
A pinch of ground cardamom (optional)
Optional garnish:
Crushed pistachio nuts
Saffron threads
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients: Add the diced mango, milk/water, sugar, and spices to a blender and plus a couple of times until the mangos form a puree.
Next, add the yogurt to the blender, and blend on high for a minute or until everything is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Adjust consistency and sweetness (optional): If you prefer a thinner consistency with your lassi then add in a little more cold milk/water and blend until incorporated. Taste the lassi and blend in more sugar if you prefer a sweeter lassi.
- Pour the mango lassi into individual glasses and serve immediately, enjoy.
Mango Lassi Recipe
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1½ Cups of diced fresh mango
- 1 Cup of yogurt
- ½ Cup of cold milk or cold water or more depending on desired consistency
- 2 Teaspoons of granulated sugar or more to taste
- A pinch of ground cinnamon optional
- A pinch of ground cardamom optional
Optional garnish:
- Crushed pistachio nuts
- Saffron threads
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients: Add the diced mango, milk/water, sugar, and spices to a blender and plus a couple of times until the mangos form a puree. Next, add the yogurt to the blender, and blend on high for a minute or until everything is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Adjust consistency and sweetness (optional): If you prefer a thinner consistency with your lassi then add in a little more cold milk/water and blend until incorporated. Taste the lassi and blend in more sugar if you prefer a sweeter lassi.
- Pour the mango lassi into individual glasses and serve immediately, enjoy.
