Get Your Lassi Fix: 5 Recipes That Will Have You Coming Back for More

Summers call for consumption of some chilled coolers - cold and delicious beverages that help us combat the rising mercury levels. Now, before you turn to store bought coolers, why not try one of India’s favorite drink – LASSI! A creamy sweet or savory drink made with yogurt, water, select spices and occasionally fruits is healthy, cooling and pride of Punjabi cuisine.

Unlike fizzy drinks and packaged juices, lassi is healthy and packed with benefits. Since yogurt is the main ingredient, it is excellent for soothing the digestive track. Consumption of lassi, helps prevent bloating, constipation, reduces stomach acidity, improves immunity and aids digestion.

Since milk is an important component of yogurt, it is rich in calcium. That apart lassi is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, Vitamin A, B and riboflavin.

Most people enjoy it in its traditional form. However there are other interesting ways in which this beverage can be made at home. Here are some delicious lassi recipes:

Plain Sweet Lassi

Lassi originated in Punjab and is still popular all over India. Here’s how it is made.

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• Take 2 cups yogurt
• 1 cup cold water
• Sugar as per taste
• Blend these ingredients with a hand blender or in a mixer.
• Top it with powdered cardamoms for added taste.

Mango Lassi

One part of summers is dedicated to celebrating the arrival of the the gorgeous fruit – MANGO. Apart from the numerous delectable mango dishes and desserts we enjoy, mango lassi is an equally delightful affair.

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• Take 3-4 mangoes remove pulp.
• In a blender puree the pulp with ¼ th cup milk and sugar.
• Combine this puree with 2 cups of yogurt and give it a good mix. You can add in some fresh cream if you wish to make it heavier.
• Chill it in the refrigerator or add in some ice cubes. Garnish with some saffron strands and enjoy a really cool summer special.

Mint Lassi

The flavour of mint brings in that immediate freshness which is much needed in this season.

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1. Take 2 cups of yogurt
2. Add some dried mint leaves, salt to taste and mix well.
3. Refrigerate or add in some ice cubes, garnish with mint leaves.

Rose Lassi

Rose Lassi is not only cooling and refreshing but also amazingly fragrant and of course very delicious.

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• Take 2 cups of yogurt
• 10 – 12 fresh rose petals
• 2 teaspoons of rosewater
• 1 tablespoon of rose syrup
• Blend everything well in a blender.
• Refrigerate or add in some ice cubes. 
• Garnish with chopped sesonal fruits. Yummy !!!!

Avocado Lassi

Not many people are familiar with this variant of lassi. Avocados are high in potassium, fiber and effective in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

• Combine 2 cups of yogurt with 1 whole ripe avocado (peeped and chopped)
• Add 2 tablespoons of honey, some lime juice and water to adjust consistency
• Add sugar to taste and whisk in a blender
• Garnish with chopped strawberries.