Lassi Recipe: Sweet, Salty and Spicy

wellhealthorganic.com Lassi: Lassi, a probiotic drink known for its cooling and refreshing qualities, is an ideal beverage for the hot summer months. Primarily made with curd or yogurt, aromatic spices, and either sugar or salt, it’s particularly popular in Punjab and North India, where various delightful versions of this sweet concoction exist. Here are three simple, invigorating, and delicious lassi recipes for you to enjoy.

Lassi 

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Cuisine: North Indian, Punjabi
• Course: Beverages
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients:

For Sweet Lassi:

1. 2 cups cold and fresh Curd (yogurt)
2. 1 cup cold water or milk
3. 4 to 5 tablespoons sugar
4. 1 teaspoon cardamom powder, or 8 to 10 green cardamoms, or 1 tablespoon rose water
5. 10 to 12 saffron strands (optional)
6. 6 to 8 ice cubes (optional)
7. 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) (optional)

For Salted Lassi:

1. 2.5 cups cold and fresh Curd (yogurt)
2. 1 cup cold water
3. 1 teaspoon black salt or regular salt, as needed
4. 1.5 teaspoons roasted cumin powder
5. 6 to 7 mint leaves

For Masala Lassi:

1. 2 cups cold and fresh Curd (yogurt)
2. 3 to 4 green cardamoms, seeds crushed and husks removed
3. ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
4. 1 to 2 pinches grated nutmeg
5. 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, cashews, or pistachios
6. 10 to 12 saffron strands (optional)
7. 5 to 6 tablespoons chopped palm sugar
8. ⅓ to ½ cup cold water, as needed

Also Read: Malpua 

Instructions:

Making Sweet Lassi:

1. Lightly crush the green cardamom pods in a mortar, remove the husks, and crush the seeds into a fine powder.
2. In a bowl or pan, whisk the fresh chilled curd until smooth.
3. Add sugar and cold water (or milk) to the curd and whisk again until smooth.
4. Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water to your preference.
5. Incorporate the crushed cardamom powder and saffron strands thoroughly into the mixture.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
7. Pour the lassi into tall glasses, add ice cubes if desired, and garnish with chopped nuts.
8. Serve immediately.

Making Salted Lassi:

1. In a bowl or pan, mix curd, water, salt, and roasted cumin powder until smooth.
2. Pour the salted lassi into glasses, garnish with mint leaves, and add ice cubes if desired.
3. Serve promptly.

Making Masala Lassi:

1. In a blender, combine curd, crushed cardamom seeds, black pepper, nutmeg, chopped nuts, saffron strands, palm sugar, and water.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
4. Serve topped with saffron strands or chopped nuts.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Enjoy lassi as a refreshing drink during the day or after an Indian meal.
2. Garnish sweet lassi with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds.
3. Top salted lassi with fresh mint or coriander leaves, and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, or chaat masala.

Also Read: Chocolate Ice Cream

Storage:

• Store leftover lassi in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. No need to add ice cubes if storing.

Notes:

• These lassi recipes can be doubled or tripled to make larger batches.
• For the best lassi, ensure the curd or yogurt is fresh and cold.
• Customize sweet lassi with cardamom powder, rose water, or saffron, adjusting to your taste preference.
• Maintain the desired consistency by controlling the amount of water added.
• Experiment with sweeteners like palm sugar, coconut sugar, or jaggery in sweet lassi.