Lassi is a blend of yogurt drink that’s very popular in some parts of India and the Middle East. It is made with a combination of curd or yogurt with milk or water, sugar or salt, and a few spices or herbs.
There are many variations of the drink–for those who prefer some frutiness to their drinks, you can add fresh fruit juices of your choice, like mango, strawberry etc. And believe it or not, there are some who prefer the salty variation of lassi, just substitute any sweetener with salt and you’re good to go.
This delicious drink can be made using a whisk or the traditional wooden churner, it all depends on your preference. However, those who use the churner swear it has a distinct taste from others prepared via other methods. But whatever you do, avoid using an electric blender if you want to achieve the authentic lassi taste.
Lassi is commonly drunk during the warmer season due to its cooling components, but there’s no rule against eating ice cream or frozen yoghurt, or a cup of delicious cold lassi during the colder times of the year! My theory is that as long as you’re cozied up in a warm spot, fluffed up with comfy blankets, you can have as many cups of this delicious drink as you wish.
Ingredients
2 tsp. ground Cardamom
Yogurt or curd
Saffron strands (crushed)
Chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup Milk or water
5 tbsp. Sugar
Preparation:
STEP 1:
It is essential to ensure that your yogurt (whole milk curd) is still fresh. Many people use homemade curd for their lassi recipe.
STEP 2:
Add ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder to the chilled curd or yogurt and blend using a wooden churner, or wired whisk until the curd is smooth. (If using cardamom pods, crush 8 to green pods in a mortar, remove the husk and crush the seeds into fine powder before blending into the curd).
STEP 3:
Next, to sweeten the Curd, add 5 tablespoons of sugar. Pour in 1 cup cold milk or water and continue to blend the mixture with the churn or wired whisk until the sugar is dissolved and a frothy layer appears. (Note that you can adjust the thickness and consistency of your lassi by increasing or decreasing the amount of water or milk).
STEP 4:
Add 10 to 12 crushed saffron strands and a teaspoon of cardamom powder and mix well. (Taste for sweetness and add more sugar if needed).
STEP 5:
Next, put about three square ice cubes in a tall glass, pour in your sweet lassi drink and garnish with a pinch of the ground cardamom powder, some chopped nuts of choice, and saffron strands. Serve and enjoy!
Gladys Christian | Staff Writer
