This Mango Lassi is a delightful, creamy beverage that combines the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes with the coolness of yogurt. It’s spiced with a hint of cardamom for an aromatic touch that takes this drink to the next level. Serve it over ice for an even more refreshing experience, perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing treat after a spicy meal.
The beauty of this Mango Lassi is its simplicity – just a few ingredients come together to create a drink that’s not only delicious but also healthy. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding or omitting sugar, and the cardamom adds a fragrant, warm note that balances the mango’s natural sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just craving something refreshing, Mango Lassi is a go-to option!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 large ripe mango, peeled and chopped
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1/2 cup plain yogurt
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1/2 cup cold water
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on sweetness)
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1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
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Ice cubes (optional)
Directions:
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In a blender, combine the chopped mango, yogurt, water, and sugar (if using).
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Add cardamom powder for extra flavor if desired.
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If you prefer a chilled drink, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
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Pour the mango lassi into glasses and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
The Origins of Mango Lassi
Mango Lassi is a variation of the classic Lassi, a popular Indian drink made with yogurt, water or milk, sugar, and cardamoms. The mango version of this drink adds the tropical sweetness of mangoes to the traditional yogurt base. While both curd and yogurt are commonly used in Lassi, it is important to note that these two dairy products differ in their texture and taste, but both work beautifully in this recipe. During the summer months in India, mangoes are in season, and fresh, sweet mangoes are used to make this vibrant and flavorful drink. Mango lassi is a favorite in households across India, particularly as a way to beat the heat.
Why Mango Lassi is a Summer Favorite
Mangoes, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” are the star ingredient in this delightful beverage. These sweet, pulpy mangoes lend a rich and smooth texture to the lassi, creating a drink that is both satisfying and refreshing. The addition of yogurt gives the lassi a creamy consistency, while flavorings such as cardamom, saffron, or rose water bring an aromatic touch to the drink. For those who enjoy a more indulgent version, the addition of light cream can enhance the richness of the lassi. However, you can also make a lighter version by omitting the cream and simply using yogurt and mangoes. Whether served chilled with ice cubes or topped with a hint of floral or spice flavorings, mango lassi is a drink that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Choosing the Right Mangoes for Mango Lassi
The key to making a delicious mango lassi lies in selecting the right type of mango. For the best flavor, it is essential to use ripe, fleshy, and juicy mangoes. The more popular varieties in India, such as Alphonso, are prized for their sweetness and smooth texture. These mangoes provide the perfect base for a creamy lassi. If fresh mangoes are not available, canned mango pulp can be a suitable substitute. However, it is important to adjust the sweetness when using canned pulp, as it may already contain added sugar. Regardless of the mango variety you choose, make sure the fruit is free of fibrous or stringy flesh, as this can affect the texture of the lassi.
Yogurt and Cream for Creaminess
The creamy texture of mango lassi comes from the yogurt, which is the foundation of this beverage. Full-fat or whole milk yogurt provides the richest texture, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat or skimmed milk yogurt. Homemade curd is often preferred for its freshness, but store-bought yogurt also works well as long as it is not too sour. Greek yogurt is another excellent option, though it may require thinning with a bit of water or milk to achieve the desired consistency. Additionally, adding a small amount of light cream can make the lassi even richer, though this is entirely optional.
Flavor Variations and Additions
One of the best things about mango lassi is its versatility when it comes to flavorings. The base recipe calls for mangoes and yogurt, but you can experiment with different flavoring options to suit your preferences. For a fragrant, floral twist, you can add rose water, which imparts a lovely scent to the drink. Green cardamom powder adds a warm, spicy note, while saffron strands give the lassi an exotic touch. If you like, you can combine two of these flavorings for a more complex profile, such as cardamom and rose water or saffron and cardamom. However, you can also keep the recipe simple and let the natural flavors of the mangoes shine through.
Serving Mango Lassi
Mango Lassi can be enjoyed as is, or you can elevate it with garnishes and toppings. For a refreshing touch, mint leaves pair beautifully with mangoes and yogurt. You can also add some extra mango cubes for added texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a bit of crunch, consider topping the lassi with slivers of almonds, pistachios, or chopped cashews. Alternatively, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or grated chocolate can create a delicious contrast to the mango’s sweetness. For those who enjoy a richer lassi, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can be added as a topping. The drink is best served immediately after preparation, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also freeze mango lassi into ice cubes or popsicles for a fun and cooling dessert.
Storage Tips for Mango Lassi
If you make a large batch of mango lassi, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day. However, for the freshest taste and texture, it is best to consume it right after preparation. If you have leftovers, freezing the lassi in ice cube trays or popsicle molds is a fun way to preserve it for later. These frozen mango lassi cubes can be used in smoothies or enjoyed as a frozen treat on their own.
Expert Tips for the Best Mango Lassi
To make the best mango lassi, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, always use fresh, ripe mangoes for the sweetest, most flavorful drink. Avoid mangoes that are fibrous or stringy, as these will affect the texture of the lassi. The yogurt you use should be smooth and not too tangy. Full-fat yogurt creates a rich, creamy consistency, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat or skimmed milk yogurt will also work. If you’re using Greek yogurt, consider adding some water or milk to thin it out. Sweeteners like sugar, honey, or maple syrup are commonly used, but you can adjust the sweetness based on the ripeness of the mangoes. Finally, feel free to experiment with different flavorings, such as cardamom, saffron, or rose water, to create a lassi that suits your taste.
Is Mango Lassi Healthy?
Mango lassi can be a healthy option when made without added sugar. Mangoes are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars, while yogurt provides probiotics that are beneficial for digestion. If you skip the sweeteners or use natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup, mango lassi can be a nutritious and gut-friendly drink. The combination of mangoes and yogurt also makes this beverage a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Mango lassi is a simple yet indulgent drink that brings together the sweetness of mangoes and the creaminess of yogurt, making it a perfect refreshment for hot days. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or simply enjoying it at home, this drink is sure to please your taste buds. With endless variations and the option to customize the flavor, mango lassi is a versatile and enjoyable beverage that can be made to suit any palate.