Fruity Indian Yogurt Drink (Lassi) Recipe

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I fondly recall my grandmother meticulously selecting the ripest fruits from the local market and blending them to perfection with the freshest yogurt, teasing out the flavors with a hint of spice and the sweetness of honey. It’s my pleasure to pass along this cherished Fruity Indian Yogurt Drink recipe, infused with love and memories, so you too can create a moment of joy with every blissful sip.

How to Make Fruity Indian Yogurt Drink

Fruity Indian Yogurt Drink, often known as “Lassi,” is a traditional Indian beverage made from yogurt. It can be either sweet or savory and is enjoyed across the Indian subcontinent. The sweet version typically includes yogurt blended with fruit, sugar, and sometimes spices like cardamom.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ripe Mango (peeled and cubed)—Mangoes are the traditional choice, offering a rich, sweet flavor. For the best taste, aim for ripe, juicy mangoes.
• 1 cup Plain Yogurt—For creaminess, Use full-fat yogurt, but if you’re watching your calorie intake, low-fat or even plant-based yogurts work wonderfully.
• 1/2 cup Cold Milk – Adjust to achieve your desired consistency. Substitute with dairy-free milk if preferred.
• 2-4 tablespoons Sugar (adjust to taste)—The sugar you use should be adjusted according to the sweetness of your mangoes and your personal preference. Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives.
• A pinch of ground Cardamom (optional) – This adds an authentic flavor, but you can omit it or use vanilla extract as a substitute.
• Ice cubes – To serve chilled.
• For garnish: A few mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered cardamom.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mango: Start by peeling and cubing your mango until you have approximately 1 cup of fruit.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the cubed mango, plain yogurt, cold milk, sugar (start with 2 tablespoons and adjust as necessary), and a pinch of cardamom. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add more milk to reach the desired consistency.
3. Taste and Adjust: Give your lassi a taste. If it needs more sweetness, add a bit more sugar or honey.
4. Serve Immediately: Pour the lassi over ice cubes in tall glasses. Garnish with a sprinkle of cardamom or a few mint leaves for an extra pop of flavor and color.
5. Enjoy: Relish this refreshing drink on a hot day, or serve it alongside spicy dishes to cool the palate.

Tips:

• Seasonal Fruits: Although mango is traditional, try other fruits like strawberries, peaches, or blueberries for a different twist.
• Ripe Fruits: The key to a delicious lassi is the fruit’s ripeness. The riper the fruit, the less sweetener you will need.
• Consistency Adjustments: The beauty of lassi lies in its versatile consistency, which can range from milkshake-thick to a more drinkable form. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred thickness.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and milk. The taste will slightly vary but still be delicious.
• Serving Options: While wonderful on its own, a fruity lassi can also complement a meal, particularly spicy dishes, beautifully balancing the heat with its cool, creamy texture.

What to serve with

Serving a Fruity Indian Yogurt Drink, such as a Mango Lassi, introduces an element of refreshment and sweetness that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, especially those hailing from or inspired by Indian cuisine.

With Indian Cuisine

• Spicy Curries: The creamy, cooling nature of the lassi makes it an excellent companion to spicy Indian curries. Whether it’s a fiery Vindaloo or a rich Rogan Josh, a sip of lassi provides a delightful contrast and cools the palate.
• Grilled Tandoori Dishes: Dishes like Tandoori Chicken or Paneer have smoky, spicy flavors that are beautifully offset by the sweetness and creaminess of a fruity yogurt drink.
• Street Food: Serve it alongside Chaat, Samosas, or Pakoras for an authentic street food experience. The fruity, tangy, and sweet elements of lassi can cut through the deep-fried richness, creating a balanced taste sensation.
• Biryanis and Pulao: These rich, aromatic rice dishes are complemented by the refreshing qualities of a chilled lassi, making for a harmonious meal where flavors are both contrasted and accentuated.

With Breakfast Foods

• Parathas and Dosa: Enjoy your lassi as part of a breakfast or brunch spread featuring Indian bread like Parathas or South Indian specialities like Dosa—the cool drink pairs wonderfully with the slight heat from accompanying chutneys.
• Fruit Salads: A fruity lassi can double as a dressing for a fresh fruit salad, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruits with its creamy texture.

As a Dessert or Snack

• With Traditional Sweets: Pair it with Indian desserts like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, or Rasgulla. The lassi’s smoothness is a lovely foil for the intense sweetness of these delicacies.
• As a Standalone Treat: Sometimes, a well-made lassi needs no accompaniment. Serve it as a refreshing mid-afternoon snack or a light dessert to cap off a meal.

With Non-Indian Cuisines

• Spicy Asian Dishes: Like with Indian food, the sweetness and creaminess of lassi work well against the backdrop of spicy Asian meals, including Thai curries or Szechuan dishes.
• Barbecue: The smoky flavor of grilled meats is deliciously complemented by the excellent, fruity notes of a lassi, making it a great choice for summer barbecues.
• Fusion Meals: Don’t be afraid to experiment. A fruity Indian yogurt drink like lassi can be found in a variety of meals, cutting through the richness of dishes or adding a refreshing contrast to spicy and savory flavors across different cuisines.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Fruity Indian Yogurt Drink allows for a lot of flexibility when it comes to ingredients. You can substitute various elements to achieve a similar taste and texture depending on availability, dietary preferences, or allergies.

Yogurt

Traditional Ingredient: Plain, full-fat yogurt is typically used for its creaminess and tang.

Substitutes:

• Low-fat or Non-fat Yogurt: This is for those watching their calorie intake.
• Greek Yogurt: For a thicker, richer lassi, you may need to add a bit more liquid to adjust the consistency.
• Vegan Yogurt: Such as coconut yogurt, soy yogurt, or almond milk yogurt if you are vegan or lactose intolerant. Note that these will change the flavor profile slightly.

Fruit

Traditional Ingredient: Mango is the most popular choice for a fruity lassi.

Substitutes:

• Other Fruits: Try peaches, berries, papaya, or pineapple for a different fruity twist.
• Canned Fruit: If fresh fruit isn’t available, you can use canned fruit in natural juice. Be sure to adjust added sugars accordingly.
• Frozen Fruit: A convenient option that helps to chill the drink. No need to thaw first.

Sweetener

Traditional Ingredient: White sugar or honey to taste.

Substitutes:

• Maple Syrup or Agave Syrup: For vegan options.
• Stevia or Artificial Sweeteners: If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake.
• Jaggery: A traditional unrefined sugar used in India for a deeper flavor note.

Milk

Traditional Ingredient: Some lassi recipes use a dash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Substitutes:

• Water: If you prefer a lighter lassi.
• Plant-based Milk: Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk can be great dairy-free options.
• Cream: For an even richer, decadent drink.

Spices and Flavorings

Traditional Ingredient: Cardamom is commonly used, and sometimes a drop of rosewater.

Substitutes:

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla can add a lovely depth if cardamom is unavailable.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: For a different spice profile.
• Orange Blossom Water: An alternative to rosewater for a floral hint.

Ice

Traditional Ingredient: Ice cubes to chill the drink and add a frothy texture when blended.

Substitutes:

• Frozen Yogurt or Fruit: Instead of ice, which can dilute the drink, using frozen ingredients keeps it chilled and rich.
• Chilled Serving Glasses: If you’re using frozen fruit, you can skip the ice and simply serve the drink in pre-chilled glasses.

Final Thoughts

A final tip, regardless of your ingredient choices, is to always taste as you go. Balancing the sweetness, acidity, and spice levels to your preference is key to making a delicious Fruity Indian Yogurt Drink.

More Fruit Drinks:

• Pineapple Mango Hennessy Recipe
• Pineapple Hennessy Lemonade Recipe
• Wendy’s Orange Cream Frosty Recipe
• Summer Skies Drink (Starbucks Recipe)
• Pineapple Spears in Coconut Water Recipe