Homemade Sweet Lassi Recipe and Tips

A good lassi can comfort and revitalize a traveler on the streets of India, soothe the spicy sensation while enjoying your favorite curry, and provide a taste bud indulgence at any time of day.

What is lassi?

Lassi is a highly nutritious yogurt-based drink. Lassi is prepared in Indian homes, restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls (lassi wallahs).

Origin of lassi

Lassi originated in Punjab (an Indian state bordering Pakistan) but is the favorite cold drink of Indians, especially during the scorching heat. This refreshing beverage was created to counteract the effects of chili and spices during meals.

Many people, when their food is very spicy, drink water, carbonated drinks, and/or alcoholic beverages to counteract the effects of the spiciness, but this is a MISTAKE. These drinks exalt the power of the spiciness. So next time, drink dairy products. Indians know a lot about spiciness and have been drinking lassi, raita (yogurt salad), or buttermilk for thousands of years.

What ingredients are used to make lassi?

The main ingredient is yogurt, but you can add fruit and spices.

Ingredients and recommendations

Yogurt: Always natural yogurt, whether made with whole milk, semi-skimmed milk, or skimmed milk, although I recommend whole milk. Greek yogurt is also excellent for making lassi, but don't forget to adjust the consistency with more milk, otherwise it will be too thick.

Milk: Milk allows you to play with the consistency and texture, making it thinner. The amount depends on how thick you like your lassi. You can also use plant-based milks; almond milk is great.

Sugar: Use brown sugar whenever possible. You can substitute the sugar with honey or other natural molasses. The amount of sugar is up to taste.

Ice: Ice is used to chill the lassi. If you use frozen mango, you don't need to add ice. Using ice dilutes the drink, so be careful with the amount of milk you add.

Variants or Types of lassi

There are many variants and flavors but they are all divided into 2 types of lassi:

Sweet lassi (or Meethi lassi): The most popular is the classic lassi (plain lassi), which is made with yogurt and sugar. There are also fruit lassi, the most famous of which is the mango lassi, which is delicious. You can also make banana lassi, strawberry lassi, and any other fruit you can imagine.

Salted lassi (or Namkeen lassi): The classic salted lassi is usually made with yogurt and a touch of salt (sometimes a pinch of masala is added). There are also salty lassi versions, such as saffron lassi (Kesar lassi) and spiced lassi (masala lassi).

How do you make lassi?

Traditionally, lassi was made with a wooden whisk called a mathani, and it's still made this way on the streets of India. At home, you can make it with a blender or even blend it by hand.

Ingredients

• 250 grams of yogurt
• 3 ice cubes
• 200 ml cold water or milk
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 4 green cardamom grains

Instructions

1. Add the yogurt and ice cubes to the blender and blend for about 20-25 seconds until creamy.
2. Add water or milk (to taste, depending on the thickness you want) and sugar and mix at a lower speed.
3. Serve and garnish with green cardamom powder.

What can I have lassi with?

You can enjoy lassi with your favorite curry or any other Indian dish. It's also perfect to enjoy at any time of day, either alone or with others.

Tips and notes

• The recipe quantities are guidelines and you should adjust them to your thickness and sweetness preferences.
• For a creamier, thicker consistency, add milk instead of water.
• If you want it low in calories you can use semi-skimmed or skimmed yogurt and milk.
• To make a vegan lassi, you can substitute the yogurt and milk for plant-based options. It's delicious with yogurt and almond milk.
• To decorate, you can sprinkle it with cardamom, saffron, or some nuts.
• I recommend serving and eating it freshly made, although you can store it in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours (once you take it out of the refrigerator, blend it again).

Frequently Asked Questions

In India, is salty lassi the same as buttermilk?

No. Indian buttermilk or chaas masala is also made with yogurt but is a much more diluted and light drink.

Have you made your lassi yet? You can leave a comment, rate it, share it, or if you'd like, you can upload a photo to Instagram and tag us @travtasy. I'd love to see your delicious lassi!

3172244676370513898