Mango Lassi

You can drink this delicious mango lassi for breakfast, just like a smoothie, or as a mid afternoon energy booster. Only 5 ingredients are need to make this sweet, nutritious and refreshing lassi drink.

Creating nutritious dishes can be a lot of fun and the more you do it, the easier it will become to create your own recipes.

Making small changes here and there can help you transition smoothly into a healthier lifestyle. For example, by just swapping yogurt with added sugar for plain Greek yogurt in this easy mango lassi recipe, you are doing your body a favor. Raw organic honey is used to add sweetness but pure maple syrup or stevia will also do the trick. A mango lassi like this one beats any sugary treat you may want because it’s cold, incredibly refreshing, and packed with fruity flavors. Think of it as a healthy mango milkshake!

What Are Mango Lassis?

A lassi is traditionally known to be a blended drink, made with a blend of yogurt, spices, water and/or ice. While it’s often served on the savory side, occasionally, like in this mango lassi recipe, a lassi will call for fruit.

Where Do Mango Lassis Come From?

Lassi comes from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from the Punjab region in Northern India. It’s a popular and refreshing drink served in Indian restaurants as it pairs well with Indian food and helps soothe the palate from hot and spicy dishes.

Mango Lassi Ingredients

• Mango: To find a good fresh mango, do a smell test. Grab a mango and smell it near the stem. If it has a fruity aroma and is slightly soft (like a peach), it means the mango is ripe and ready to eat.
• Yogurt: Greek yogurt is my favorite because of its thick texture and sour taste. But feel free to use whole milk yogurt or low-fat yogurt, or other types of dairy yogurt, or non-dairy.
• Honey: I like to use a raw organic honey like that isn’t too floral, such as Y.S Eco Bee Farms. But if you do like a strong floral taste, go ahead and use whatever type of honey you prefer.
• Ground cardamom (cardamom powder): Cardamom has such a unique taste. A little warm, citrusy, with slight notes of anise and cumin, it’s a spice that screams India to me. Make sure that the ground cardamom in your pantry is no more than 6 months old in order to get maximum flavor. Or you can use a pestle and mortar, grab a few cardamom pods and removed the seeds from the shell (only the seeds can be ground).
• Saffron threads: Saffron has and earthy, smokey, and floral taste that’s also unique. A little goes a long way which is why you only need a pinch – 2 or 3 saffron strands will do.
• Ice cubes: You will need a few ice cubes to chill the lassi and give it a light and creamy consistency.

Fresh Vs Canned Or Frozen Mango

You can technically use all three types of mango to make this lassi, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the lassi may vary depending on the type of mango you are using.

If you can get your hands on a fresh mango that smells and feels ripe, this is your best and most delicious choice. Nothing beats a mango that’s bright in color, sweet in flavor, and moist and tender. Tommy Atkins is the most common type of mango sold in the US, but you might be able to find Alphonso mangoes, which are Indian mangoes, sold at Whole Foods or your local India store.

However, if your local grocery store or Indian store only has mediocre mangoes available, I would suggest buying a bag of frozen mangoes. They won’t be as sweet and creamy as a fresh one, but your lassi will still be delicious.

The last option is canned mangoes. I’m not a fan of canned fruits in general because they are usually preserve in a sugary liquid that gives the fruit a slightly chemical taste and a slippery texture. But if you can find good canned mangoes, then by all means, use that!

What about mango puree?

I have never tried mango puree so it’s impossible for me to say whether it is or isn’t a good alternative.

At the end of the day, use what you love to eat. I say this all the time because it’s always the best option.

How To Make Mango Lassi

1. Start by prepping your ingredients.
2. Gather all of your kitchen tools and ingredients.
3. Add the yogurt, mango, honey, cardamom, and ice cube, to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Pour the mango lassi in a serving glass and top with 2 or 3 saffron strands. Enjoy!

Can I Make Vegan Mango Lassi?

Yes, if you use vegan yogurt you can make this recipe vegan-friendly and a dairy-free option. Dairy products are not absolutely necessary. My favorite is Oatgurt. I would refrain from using coconut milk or cocogurt because the coconut flavor is too strong. Almond yogurt is also an option.

Looking for more tasty recipes for those hot summer days? Check out these popular drinks for your next gathering!

Did you like this mango lassi recipe ? Are there changes you made that you would like to share? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments section below!

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