Lassi is a traditional chilled beverage from India that is made with yoghurt or buttermilk and an assortment of flavourings. Many Indian restaurants offer the drink on their menus, since it is a popular accompaniment to spicy Indian food. It can also be made at home with the assistance of a blender or a set of eggbeaters. Some markets also sell the yoghurt beverage in pre-packaged containers for convenience, and it is available at many roadside stands in India.
Mango Lassi
According to historic texts, lassi and its various forms have been prepared for centuries. Special versions with ingredients like honey are used in some Hindu rituals, and ayurvedic practitioners may prescribe lassi to treat specific conditions. One of the most common ingredients in the drink is toasted cumin, which is supposed to help the digestion. Other special ingredients may be used in ayurvedic beverages as well, depending on the client’s condition. Lassi is a drink that is generally good for all the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. (Learn more about the doshas or contact us for a consultation.) Moreover, mixing water with yoghurt makes it more easily digestible for all body types.
 From a purely practical point of view, lassi is an excellent accompaniment for hot food. Yoghurt and other dairy products can help temper the heat of chillies for diners who are not accustomed to them, and yoghurt will also made it easier to digest spicy foods. Lassi is also simply cooling and refreshing, and it can be consumed on its own as well as being drunk with food. The texture of lassi varies. Most people make it with varying proportions of yoghurt and water, so some drinks are very thick and chunky, while others may be more thin. The drink may be made even colder by being poured over ice, and some cooks like to top it with clotted cream to create an extra-rich flavour. It may also be made with buttermilk for more tartness, or ingredients like coconut or soy milk can be used for vegans or people with lactose intolerance. The spices used can vary widely; they may include cumin, turmeric, ground chilli powder, mace, and cardamom.
In addition to being mixed with spices, this drink can also be blended with fruit. Mango lassi is one of the most popular forms, although other fruits can be used as well. Some cooks may also add things like garlic or vegetables for a more savoury take on this popular beverage. In some regions, it is possible to find sweet lassi, which can be flavoured with ingredients like honey or sugar and rosewater and other delicate, sweet flavours.
The recipe is super easy as well. Simply combine the following ingredients in a blender or food processor, sweetening to taste:
Sweet Lassi
1 cup yoghurt
1/2 cup water
Crushed mango
1 spoon of honey or brown sugar
Salted Lassi
1 Cup yoghurt
1/2 Cup water
A pinch of Cumin powder
Salt
Easy, right? Give it a try and let us know your thoughts!
