There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than a deliciously cool beverage.

Lassi (pronounced “luss-see”) is a traditional Indian drink made with yogurt and blended with different flavors and spices. It is absolutely delicious and also nutritious and healthy. These are some of my favorite lassi recipes for keeping cool on those humid afternoons.


SWEET LASSI

Yield: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

1 cup good quality yogurt (lowfat is fine)
½ cup of buttermilk (lowfat is fine)
4 tsp of sugar (can also use Equal or Splenda)
pinch of saffron
handful of ice cubes

METHOD:

Using a blender, blend all of the ingredients until frothy.

VARIATIONS:

You can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of
cardamom powder instead of the saffron for a different but equally delicious taste.

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SALTY LASSI

Yield: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

1 cup good quality plain yogurt (lowfat is fine)
1 cup milk (whole or lowfat is fine)
1 tsp ground cumin
salt & pepper (to taste)
handful of ice cubes

METHOD:

Using a blender, blend all of the ingredients until frothy.

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MANGO LASSI

Yield: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

1 cup good quality yogurt (lowfat is fine)
1 cup of mango pieces (or ½ cup of mango pulp)
pinch of saffron
2 tbsp sugar (to taste, can use Equal or Splenda)
handful of ice cubes

METHOD:

Using a blender, blend all of the ingredients until frothy.

VARIATIONS:

Try substituting pineapple to make Pineapple Lassi. You could also try papaya to make Papaya Lassi or even bananas to make Banana Lassi.

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PISTA LASSI (Pistachio Lassi)

Yield: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

1 cup good quality yogurt (lowfat is fine)
¼ cup shelled pistachios, ground into a fine powder
a few drops of pista essence (optional, available in Indian grocery stores)
2 tbsp sugar (to taste, can use Equal or Splenda)
handful of ice cubes
a few pieces of pistachios for garnish

METHOD:

Using a blender, blend all of the ingredients until frothy. Garnish with pistachio pieces and serve.

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GULAB LASSI (Rose Flavored Lassi)

Yield: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

1 cup good quality yogurt (lowfat is fine)
a few drops of rose essence (available in Indian grocery stores)
a few drops of red food coloring (optional)
2 tbsp sugar (to taste, can use Equal or Splenda)
handful of ice cubes

METHOD:

Using a blender, blend all of the ingredients until frothy.