Saturday, August 14, 2010

Mango Lassi

I first became aware of lassi by dining in Indian restaurants, which I love. I enjoy exploring other cultures through their cuisine, and I'm always dabbling in unfamiliar gastronomic territory.

I once invited some friends for dinner and promised them Indian food, which none of them had ever experienced. After spending all day in the kitchen, I was very disappointed with my food. My friends thought it tasted great. I thought it tasted good, but not authentic, and I had no idea how to fix it. That is when I decided to leave the wonderful and flavorful curries to the experts. I no longer attempt complex Indian dishes, but rather go to restaurants to enjoy them. I can, however, muster decent lassi.

Lassi is a chilled yogurt drink and is like a healthy milkshake. Lassi can be flavored variously with salt, mint, cumin, sugar, fruit, and even spicy additions such as ground chilis or ginger. I had a perfectly ripe and juicy mango on hand, so that's what I used.

Mango Lassi
2 cups unflavored, all natural yogurt
1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 pinch of salt
1/4 tsp. (more to taste) cardamom
1 cup cracked ice

Place everything in a blender and blend until all ingredients are well combined, light, and frothy.

6 comments:

  1. Yum, that looks good. I really like that it uses yogurt, something I am trying to eat more of. So how would you make a mint one?

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  2. I don't think I have ever had a lassi before but everything in your drink appeals to me. It sounds incredibly refreshing on a hot day. I must try this out, I bet my kids would love it as well :o)

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  3. Oh, lovely! I love mango lassi but have never thought to add cardamom to it. And now I wonder why I never did?
    And I'm curious to know which Indian recipes you tried? I'd be happy to help lend some 'expertise' and try to figure out where your recipes went wrong.
    I also have tonnes of fool-proof recipes you could try, if you want.

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  4. I wanted to add a comment for Melynda - I haven't ever come across a Mint Lassi and don't think that one exists. However, Mint is a staple ingredient in 'Raita' (yogurt dip) which accompanies indian food.

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  5. This sounds great and Jill is a cutie!

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  6. I'm with you on making Indian curries.I also tried making it at home it's passable but not like the real thing. I guess it has something to do with the spices :)I'd love to try this recipe!

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