Restaurant-Style Mango Lassi (Quick and Easy)

Have you ever tried mango lassi? This creamy and refreshing yogurt-based drink is a staple in most Indian restaurants. This authentic recipe reveals the secrets to the very best mango lassi, ensuring you possibly can enjoy this beloved yogurt drink right at home.

It is ideal for soothing your palate after a spicy meal or as an ideal cool-down for those hot summer days.

What’s lassi?

Lassi is a conventional Indian beverage renowned for its delightful mix of flavors and cooling effect, especially through the hot months. At its core, lassi is a yogurt-based drink that could be either sweet or savory.

• Salty lassi: Less known outside of India, this savory version includes salt, spices like roasted cumin powder, grated ginger, and sometimes finely chopped coriander or mint for freshness. It’s incredibly refreshing and is commonly consumed as a digestive aid or simply to beat the warmth.
• Sweet lassi: That is the more globally known version, often flavored with sugar, fruits (like mango, creating the famous, creamy mango lassi), and sometimes a touch of cardamom or saffron. It’s creamy and wealthy and works as a incredible dessert or a refreshing drink.

In India, lassis are served in all the pieces from high-end restaurants to street-side stalls, each offering its unique tackle this classic beverage. It’s a straightforward yet splendidly versatile drink that beautifully represents the wealthy culinary diversity of India.

Tips on how to make lassi?

Traditionally, plain lassi was made in a straightforward yet fascinating way. It starts with churning yogurt using a picket whisk or a conventional Indian churner called a ‘mathani.’ This process not only smoothens the yogurt but additionally introduces a little bit of air, making the lassi lighter.

Then, water and spices like roasted cumin powder and salt (for the savory version) or sugar (for the sweet version) are added. In some regions, people also add a little bit of milk to complement the flavour and texture.

The true magic happens when the mixture is vigorously hand-churned, mixing all of the ingredients right into a frothy, creamy consistency. This method not only infuses air but additionally ensures that the flavors are well combined.

As times have modified, so has the tactic of creating lassi. The appearance of contemporary kitchen technology has seen the standard ‘mathani’ give strategy to electric blenders, which expedite the method while maintaining a smooth consistency.

This evolution is clear within the creation of mango lassi, where ripe mangoes are pureed and added to the combo, making a sweet, fruity variation perfect for decent summer days. The mix of tangy yogurt and sweet mango offers a pleasant contrast, making it a favourite across India and beyond.

Lassi vs Smoothie

Have you ever ever wondered how a lassi stands other than a smoothie? There are a number of notable differences. Firstly, lassi could be prepared without fruit, unlike most smoothies. Moreover, while yogurt may or is probably not a component in smoothies, it’s a basic ingredient in every lassi.

Tips on how to make authentic mango lassi

Growing up in India, mangoes, especially the Alphonso variety, disappeared almost immediately in our home. That’s why we didn’t make mango lassi often. 

Nonetheless, things modified once I moved to the US. Here, mangoes can be found all year long. And in case you’re not up for making it at home, there’s all the time an Indian restaurant nearby to serve you some.

But as a grad student, splurging $4+ frequently for this delightful drink wasn’t exactly feasible 😥. That’s what inspired me to master the art of creating mango lassi at home.

Are you able to make mango lassi without yogurt?

Yes, to make a delicious mango lassi without traditional yogurt, you should use some type of yogurt, whether plant-based, like coconut or almond milk yogurt, to take care of the authentic lassi texture and taste. If you happen to replace yogurt with just milk, it becomes more of a mango milkshake reasonably than a lassi.

Instructions to make mango lassi

1. Begin by gathering 2 cups of roughly chopped ripe mangoes, or alternatively, use 1.5 cups of store-bought canned mango pulp. Make sure the mangoes are well-ripened for the very best flavor.
2. Add 1 cup of yogurt and 1 cup of milk to your blender. The yogurt will act because the creamy base in your lassi, while the milk will provide help to achieve the specified consistency.
3. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of sugar, adjusting the amount to fit your taste preferences.
4. For an enhanced flavor, consider adding ¼ teaspoon of cardamom seeds (or powder) and 7-8 strands of saffron, though these are optional.
5. If you happen to prefer a calming drink, add 6-8 ice cubes.
6. Secure the lid of your blender and mix all of the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
7. Serve the mango lassi immediately for best results.

Variations

• Rose water – For a floral twist, add a teaspoon of rose water to your mango lassi.
• Vegan mango lassi recipe– To make your lassi vegan-friendly, replace regular yogurt and milk with their plant-based counterparts, like almond or coconut yogurt and milk. This swap ensures a vegan delight without compromising on the creamy texture.
• Greek yogurt mango lassi – For a thicker, richer lassi, use Greek yogurt as a substitute of normal yogurt. Given Greek yogurt’s thicker consistency, it’s possible you’ll need to regulate the feel with a bit more milk or water.

Expert suggestions

• Mango alternative: At all times go for ripe, sweet mangoes to reduce the necessity for added sugar and for the very best taste. Alphonso mangoes are perfect for their wealthy flavor, but Ataulfo, Kent, or Keitt are also great decisions.
• Straining homemade puree: In case your mango puree is fibrous, strain it to make sure a smooth texture in your lassi.
• Adjusting homemade pulp: Homemade mango pulp is often thicker than store-bought versions. Dilute it with water or milk to get the proper consistency. Milk is preferred because it balances the yogurt’s tartness.
• Using Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt could be used for a creamier texture. Just remember to dilute it with water or milk to regulate the consistency.
• Storebought mango pulp: If you happen to prefer buying mango pulp, try sourcing it from local Indian grocery stores for authenticity. Online options like sweetened Swad Kesar mango pulp or organic unsweetened mango pulp are also available on Amazon.
• Sugar adjustment: Store-bought mango pulp may contain added sugar. Adjust the quantity of sugar in your recipe accordingly.
• Flavor enhancers: Although optional, adding cardamom seeds and saffron strands is very really useful. They communicate an fragrant essence and elevate the lassi’s flavor profile.

Prep ahead suggestions

1. Mango preparation: If using fresh mangoes, peel and chop them prematurely. Store the chopped mangoes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for as much as 24 hours.
2. Mango puree: Prepare mango puree and refrigerate it for as much as 48 hours. This protects time while you’re able to make the lassi.

Storage suggestions for mango lassi:

1. Refrigeration: Store mango lassi within the refrigerator immediately after making it. For optimal freshness and taste, it’s best consumed inside 24 hours.
2. Airtight containers: Store the lassi in airtight containers or bottles. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator.
3. Mango popsicles: Simply pour leftover mango lassi into popsicle molds and freeze. Enjoy these refreshing treats later!
4. Stir before serving: If the lassi has been stored for a number of hours, it would separate barely. Give it stir or a fast mix before serving to revive its creamy consistency.

More delicious mango recipes for you

If you happen to are a mango lover like me, listed below are other mango recipes so that you can check out – 

1. This creamy and delicious Mango banana smoothie takes lower than 10 minutes to make! While this recipe uses dairy, you possibly can easily make a plant-based version through the use of coconut milk. It tastes great with frozen mangoes, too! 
2. Mango raita – If you happen to love mangoes, then this mango raita recipe has your name written throughout it. Enjoy it as a dessert or as a side dish, together with a spicy Indian meal.
3. Mango ice cream – If you happen to love Mango lassi, then this mango ice cream recipe is just what it is advisable to satisfy your mango cravings. Learn the right way to make this creamy tropical dessert in under 20 minutes and without an ice cream maker.
4. Mango overnight oats will make you must get up early simply to have breakfast. Loaded with oats, chia seeds, and sweet, juicy mango bits, this creamy overnight oats recipe is ideal for busy mornings. 

This post was first published on January 2nd, 2016, and was updated with text and pictures on July thirtieth, 2020, and Jan twenty seventh, 2024.