Mango lassi is a beloved and refreshing Indian yogurt drink that has gained popularity worldwide. This delightful beverage combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the tanginess of yogurt, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Bookmark this mango lassi recipe, full of expert tips and variations to help you create the perfect glass of this cooling treat.
Ingredients
To make a delicious mango lassi, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
- Ripe, sweet mangoes: Look for varieties like Alphonso, Kesar, or Ataulfo, which are known for their exceptional flavor and sweetness. You can use fresh or frozen mangoes, depending on availability.
- Full-fat plain yogurt or Greek yogurt: Opt for a creamy, thick yogurt to achieve the perfect consistency. You can also use homemade yogurt (dahi) for an authentic touch.
- Milk: Adding milk helps adjust the consistency of your lassi and balances the tartness of the yogurt. You can use whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
- Sweetener: Sugar, honey, or other sweeteners can be added to taste, depending on the sweetness of your mangoes.
- Ice (optional): For a chilled and refreshing drink, you can add ice cubes to your lassi.
Feel free to experiment with ingredient variations and substitutions, such as using non-dairy yogurt like cashew or coconut yogurt for a vegan version, or canned mango pulp if fresh mangoes are unavailable. You can also play with alternative sweeteners like agave or stevia to suit your preferences.
Equipment
To make mango lassi, you’ll need the following equipment:
- A blender or food processor for blending the ingredients until smooth and frothy
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements
- A knife and cutting board for prepping the mangoes
- Glasses for serving your refreshing lassi
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make a perfect mango lassi:
- Prep the mangoes by peeling, pitting, and chopping them into chunks. If you’re using frozen mangoes or mango pulp, you can skip this step.
- Add the chopped mangoes, yogurt, sweetener, and a splash of milk to your blender.
- Blend the ingredients until smooth, gradually adding more milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste the lassi and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sweetener.
- For an extra icy lassi, add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
- Pour the mango lassi into glasses and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
While the classic mango lassi is delicious on its own, you can try these exciting variations to add a twist to your drink:
- Cardamom Mango Lassi: Add a pinch of ground cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the mangoes beautifully.
- Rose Mango Lassi: Add a dash of rose water for a delicate floral aroma that elevates your lassi to a new level of sophistication.
- Vegan Mango Lassi: Substitute regular yogurt and milk with non-dairy alternatives like cashew or coconut yogurt and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- Lower Sugar Mango Lassi: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the added sweetener and rely on the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes.
- For a restaurant-style mango lassi, use canned Kesar mango pulp which has an intensely sweet flavor and smooth texture.
Expert Tips
To ensure you create the best mango lassi every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use the sweetest, ripest mangoes you can find for optimal flavor. If your mangoes are not very sweet, you may need to add more sweeteners.
- Chill your ingredients beforehand for an extra refreshing lassi. You can even freeze your mangoes for a thicker, colder drink.
- Adjust the consistency of your lassi by adding more yogurt for a thicker texture or more milk for a thinner, more drinkable consistency.
- For an ultra-smooth lassi, blend the mango first until it forms a puree, then add the remaining ingredients and blend again.
- Garnish your mango lassi with mint leaves, chopped pistachios, or a sprinkle of cardamom for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
How to Store
If you have leftover mango lassi or want to make a larger batch, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Pour the lassi into a covered jar or bottle and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir or shake to recombine any separated layers. Avoid freezing your lassi, as the texture may change and become grainy once thawed.
I must be honest, I only had to store it once. It is so delicious that my family drinks it all at once while fresh! It really is that good!
Mango lassi is a delightful and refreshing drink that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day or pairing with your favorite Indian dishes. With this easy-to-follow recipe and expert tips, you can create a creamy, smooth, and utterly delicious mango lassi right in your own kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and garnishes to make this drink your own. Whether you prefer it sweet or tangy, thick or thin, there’s a mango lassi out there for everyone to enjoy!
For mango lovers, there are plenty of other delicious recipes to try. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing frozen treat, try making Mango Coconut Lime Popsicles, which combine the sweetness of mangoes with the tropical flavors of coconut and lime. Another popular mango drink is the Mangonada, a Mexican-inspired beverage that blends mangoes, lime juice, and chili powder for a sweet and spicy kick. And for a fun and colorful dessert, Mango Cherry Popsicles are a great choice, featuring a beautiful swirl of mango and cherry puree in each icy pop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mango Lassi Healthy?
Where does Mango Lassi Originate From?
Mango lassi originated in the Punjab region of India around 1000 BC. It is considered a traditional Indian drink with ancient roots in Ayurvedic practices.
What is the English Term for Lassi?
Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink that does not have a direct English translation. In English, it is simply referred to as “lassi” or sometimes described as an “Indian yogurt smoothie” or “yogurt drink.”
What Flavor Profile Does Mango Lassi Have?
How does mango lassi differ from a mango milkshake?
The key difference is that mango lassi is made with yogurt, while a mango milkshake contains milk and ice cream. Lassi has a tangy, creamy flavor and is less sweet than a mango milkshake.
Mango Lassi Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups riped mango peeled and chopped
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Prep the mangoes by peeling, pitting, and chopping them into chunks. If you're using frozen mangoes or mango pulp, you can skip this step.
- Add the chopped mangoes, yogurt, sweetener, and a splash of milk to your blender.
- Blend the ingredients until smooth, gradually adding more milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste the lassi and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sweetener.
- For an extra icy lassi, add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
- Pour the mango lassi into glasses and serve immediately.
