Mango lassi—oh, the joyous nectar of summer! There’s something magical about its creamy, dreamy texture that dances on your taste buds, a bit like a lazy Sunday afternoon. Ever tried making it at home? It’s as if sunshine itself got blended into a glass.
Steps
- Prepare the mangoes by rinsing, peeling, and chopping them into small pieces. Chill the mango pieces for a few hours to ensure they are cold before use.
- In a blender, combine the chilled mango pieces, yogurt, milk (or water or ice cubes), sugar, and cardamom powder. If using canned mango pulp, you can skip the initial preparation step.
- Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth, ensuring there are no remaining mango fibers. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or ice if you prefer it thinner.
- Taste the lassi and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if necessary. If more mango flavor is desired, add additional mangoes and blend again.
- Pour the mango lassi into serving glasses. For extra garnish, you can top with chopped nuts or a pinch of saffron. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour if you want it colder before serving.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups of sweet ripe mangoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned sweetened mango pulp)
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- ¾ cup milk (or water, or 4 to 5 ice cubes, or yogurt whey)
- 1½ to 3 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup, adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
- 1 pinch of saffron for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
- 4 tablespoons whipped cream (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories | 392
—|—
Fat | 8g
Saturated Fat | 4g
Trans Fat | N/A
Polyunsaturated Fat | N/A
Monounsaturated Fat | N/A
Cholesterol | 22mg
Sodium | 128mg
Potassium | 736mg
Carbohydrates | 64g
Fiber | 2g
Sugar | 60g
Protein | 26g
Vitamin A | 2020IU
Vitamin C | 62mg
Calcium | 384mg
Iron | 2mg
FAQ
- What is Mango Lassi?
- Mango Lassi is a refreshing and creamy drink originating from the Indian subcontinent, typically made with ripe mangoes, yogurt, milk or cream, and a hint of cardamom. It balances the sweet and tangy flavors of mangoes and yogurt and can be garnished with saffron or nuts.
- Can I use frozen mangoes for Mango Lassi?
- Yes, you can use frozen mangoes or even canned mango pulp if fresh mangoes are unavailable. However, fresh, ripe mangoes are recommended for the best flavor. If using canned pulp, you might need to adjust the sweetness and sourness by adding more sugar or milk.
- Which variety of mangoes is best for making Mango Lassi?
- Alphonso mangoes are highly recommended for making Mango Lassi due to their natural sweetness, rich pulp, and vibrant flavor. If Alphonso mangoes aren’t available, any ripe and sweet variety can be used.
- How can I make Mango Lassi vegan?
- To make a vegan version of Mango Lassi, replace the yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives such as almond or coconut yogurt and milk. You can also use yogurt whey or plain water for a similar consistency.
- What sweeteners can be used in Mango Lassi?
- While sugar is commonly used, you can substitute it with maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, or refined jaggery. Be mindful that some sweeteners like unrefined jaggery may alter the flavor slightly.
Tips
- Choose the Right Mangoes: To achieve the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe mangoes, preferably Alphonso, as they are sweeter and less fibrous. If fresh mangoes are not available, canned Alphonso pulp is a good alternative.
- Balance Sweetness and Sourness: Ensure a good balance between the sweet mangoes and the slightly sour yogurt. Adjust the sugar or sweetener according to your preference to achieve the desired taste.
- Chill Ingredients: For a refreshing mango lassi, chill all ingredients, including the mangoes, yogurt, and milk, before blending. Alternatively, you can add ice cubes while blending to keep the drink cold.
- Avoid Over Blending: Blend the ingredients just until smooth to prevent the lassi from becoming too slimy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk or ice cubes.
Equipment
- High-Speed Blender – Essential for achieving a smooth and creamy texture without mango fibers.
- Mason Jar – Useful if you prefer to make and serve the lassi directly in the jar.
- Popsicle Molds – Optional, if you want to make mango lassi popsicles.
