Lassi is a delicious summertime beverage from Pakistan; and also popular in Bangladesh and India. The best description I can come up with is: "a cross between a milkshake and a smoothie." A very healthy smoothie I may add.
It beats the summer heat. According to my Pakistani friend Huma, it is a must at dinner time, to help the body beat the intense summer heat. Recipes for lassi often call for mango , not only for its health benefits, but also because mangoes are plentiful in this part of the world.
How to make mango lassi
Mango lassi recipes can call for buttermilk or yogurt.Both possess great health benefits including natural probiotics which aid in digestion and keep the colon healthy! Who doesn't want a healthy colon, right? Buttermilk and yogurt also contain lactic acid which contributes to a healthy immune system. According to my friend Huma, buttermilk is also said to calm the stomach after a spicy meal, common to that part of the world. In addition she told me that buttermilk is associated with longevity.
Lassi is sweetened with honey, a healthier alternative to refined white sugar. By the way, honey also possesses many health benefits. For starters, honey is an anti-bacterial; it has a low acidic pH which helps to destroy the bad bacteria. Local honey contains the allergens and pollens in your geographical area. By ingesting a little bit every day, it slowly exposes your body to the offending allergens. I use honey on my toast every morning during allergy season, it helps.
Lassi History
Honey was used by the ancient Egyptians in their dressing for wounds and also in the embalming process. In ancient Egypt honey was also used as an offering to the gods. The ancient Greeks believed that honey could make you live longer. The Hindu sacred texts (Vedas) make mention of honey as one of the five elixirs of immortality.
I asked Huma if there was a specific or special meaning to Lassi; she said "no, it's just a word like coffee, tea or soda; it has no special meaning." I guess given the ethnic and historical focus of this blog, I am always trying to search for word meanings and origins. The lassi drink is creamy, sweet and oh so healthy!! My husband gave his brother a glass to try and he loved it.
If you want to try another very traditional summer drink then this Spanish horchata is another one to cool you off.
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Lassi Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 cups yogurt Buttermilk may also be used. Do not use greek yogurt, it is too thick.
- 1 cup crushed ice
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 ½ cup mango diced
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and process for about 2 minutes.
- Serve chilled. You can decorate with a mint sprig if you want
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Love mango lassi's, can't remember the last time that I made one though.. you definitely have inspired me to make your recipe soon!
Analida says
I am so glad. I will tell my Pakistani friend, since she is the one who gave me the recipe.
Rachel G says
I've never made this at home, but this is one of my family's favorite drinks to order at Indian restaurant in our hometown in Malaysia!
Christie says
I bet this is delicious! I'm pinning so I can try it!
Analida says
Thanks for all your kind comments. Let me know how the turn out.
Sharon Rowe says
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing on Monday Madness link party! Hope to see you there next week 🙂
Analida says
Thanks for commenting. I love lassi. It is refreshing and healthy too.
Jaimn says
This looks wonderful! I only have greek yogurt; I'm guessing that adding more ice will help to break it down, or a little milk? Seems like tweaking the recipe will come out with similar results. Thank you for posting!
Analida says
Jaimn, thanks for commenting.Yes, if you add a little milk or extra ice, you can certainly achieve similar results.
Have a great day.
Elena says
This looks so beautiful and refreshing!
Analida says
Thanks!!!
Gary T says
Since it is sweetened with honey, it has a captivating aroma that makes it irresistible. Nice post.
Analida says
Thanks for the 5 star rating Gary. Give lassi a try. I think you will like it. 🙂