Sweet lassi

A good lassi can comfort and revitalizing a traveler through the streets of India, soothe the spicy sensation while you enjoy your favorite curry and give you a gustatory pleasure at any time of the day.

I show you how to prepare the lassi at home in 5 min.

What is the lassi?

The lassi is a very nutritious yogurt-based drink. The lassi is prepared in Indian homes, in restaurants, cafeterias and street food stalls (lassi Wallahs).

Origin of the lassi

The lassi originated in the Punjab (a state of India bordering Pakistan) but it is the favorite cold drink of Indians especially in the hot season. This refreshing drink arose to appease the effect of chili and spices during meals. Many people when food is very spicy drink water, carbonated and/or alcoholic beverages to counteract the effects of the spiciness but it is a ERROR... these beverages enhance the power of the spice, so next time drink dairy products, because the Indians know a lot about spice and have been drinking them for thousands of years: lassi , raita (yogurt salad) or buttermilk.

What ingredients are used to make lassi ?

The main ingredient is yogurt but fruit and spices can be added. 

Ingredients and recommendations

• Yogurt: always natural yogurt either whole, semi or skimmed milk, although I recommend whole milk yogurt. Greek yogurt is also excellent for making lassi but don't forget to modify the consistency with more milk otherwise it will be too thick.
• Milk: milk allows you to play with the consistency and texture making it more liquid. The amount will depend on how thick you like the lassi. You can also use vegetable milks, with almond milk it is very good.
• Sugar: use brown sugar whenever possible. You can substitute the sugar with honey or other natural molasses. The amount of sugar to taste.
• Ice: ice is used to cool the lassi. If you use frozen mango you do not need to add ice. Using ice dilutes the drink so be careful with the amount of milk added.

Variants or Types of lassi

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

• Lassi sweet (sweet lassi o Meethi lassi ): the most popular is the lassi classic (plain lassi ) which is made with yogurt and sugar. There are also fruit lassi ,the most famous is the lassi of Mango (handle lassi ) and it is delicious. It can also be made banana lassi,lassi strawberry and you can use as many fruits as you can imagine.
• Lassi Lassi (salted lassi , Namkeen lassi ): the classic salted lassi is usually made from yogurt and with a touch of salt (they usually add a pinch of masala). There are also versions of lassi as thelassi saffron (Kesar lassi ) and the lassi spicy (masala lassi ). 

How is the lassi ?

Traditionally, the lassi was made with a wooden beater called a Mathani and even in the streets of India it is made like this. At home you can make it with a mixer or even beat it by hand.

SWEET LASSI RECIPE

Ingredients

• 250 grs yogurt
• 3 ice cubes
• 200 ml cold water or milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 green cardamom seeds

Instructions

1. Add the yogurt and ice cubes to the blender and blend for 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.

With what can I take the lassi?

You can take lassi to accompany your favorite curry or any other Indian dish. It is also perfect to drink at any time of the day alone or with food.

Other lassi recipes:

Recipe for lassi ,

Tips and notes

• The amounts in the recipe are approximate and you should adjust it to your preferences of thickness and sweetness.
• For a thicker and creamier consistency adds milk instead of water.
• If you want it low in calories you can use semi-skimmed or skimmed yogurt and milk.
• To make a lassi vegan you can substitute the yogurt and milk for those of vegetable origin. With yogurt and almond milk it is very good.
• To decorate it you can sprinkle cardamom, saffron or some dried fruits and nuts.
  
  I recommend you always serve and drink freshly made although you can keep it in the refrigerator for 12-24h (once you take it out of the refrigerator, beat it again).

Frequently Asked Questions

In India, is the same the lassi saltier than buttermilk?

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

Have you already prepared your lassi? You can leave me a comment, rate it, share it or if you want you can upload a photo to Instagram with the hashtag #cocinandoconmiviajealaindia. I'll love to see your delicious lassi!