Mango Lassi
मैंगो लस्सी
India's most famous drink — and probably the world's best fruit smoothie — Mango Lassi is a thick, creamy, gloriously fragrant blended drink of ripe Alphonso mango pulp and yogurt, sweetened and perfumed with cardamom and sometimes a few strands of saffron. Lassi itself (plain yogurt diluted with water, sweet or salted) is one of the oldest drinks in the world, consumed in India for at least 3,000 years. Mango Lassi — the Mango-sweetened variant that became famous at Punjabi dhabas and Indian restaurants worldwide — has become one of the most internationally recognised Indian drinks, the perfect accompaniment to spicy food, and a standalone refreshment that embodies the summer of the Indian subcontinent. The key is quality: a Lassi made with genuine Alphonso mango pulp (in season April-June in India) is fundamentally different from one made with frozen mango or substandard fruit. When the mangoes are right, Mango Lassi is transformative.
- Total
- 5 min
- Serves
- 2
- Level
- Easy
Prep 5 min
Ingredients
Method
Prepare mango: If using fresh mangoes, cut the flesh away from the seed and scoop into a blender. If using tinned Alphonso pulp, open and add directly. Fresh Alphonso mangoes give the most intense flavour, but good-quality tinned Kesar or Alphonso pulp is an excellent substitute.
About 2 min
Tip: Alphonso mangoes are the best variety for lassi — their intense, non-fibrous pulp produces an incomparably smooth drink. Avoid unripe or fibrous varieties.
Blend and serve: Add yogurt, cold milk, sugar, ground cardamom, saffron (if using), and ice cubes to the blender with the mango. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth, thick, and creamy. Taste — adjust sugar or cardamom if needed. Pour into tall chilled glasses, garnish with a saffron strand and a few slivered pistachios. Serve immediately.
About 3 min
Tip: For the creamiest result, use yogurt that has been chilled overnight. The thickness of the yogurt is what gives mango lassi its signature body.
Nutrition per serving (estimate)
- Calories
- 295
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbs
- 48 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 43 g
- Sodium
- 105 mg
Contains: dairy
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Recipe by Boon Tools.