Place of origin Indian subcontinent | Region or state Punjab | |
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Similar Yogurt, Paneer, Naan, Raita, Paratha | ||
Lassi indian yogurt drink recipe
Lassi ([ləs-siː]) is a popular traditional yogurt-based drink from the Indian Subcontinent. Lassi is a blend of yogurt, water, spices and sometimes fruit. Traditional lassi (a.k.a., "salted lassi", or simply "lassi") is a savoury drink, sometimes flavoured with ground and roasted cumin. Sweet lassi, however, contains sugar or fruits, instead of spices. Salted mint lassi is highly favoured in Bangladesh.
Contents
- Lassi indian yogurt drink recipe
- How to make lassi
- Traditional mild sweet or salty lassi
- Sweet lassi
- Mango lassi
- Bhang lassi
- Chaas
- References
In Dharmic religions, yogurt sweetened with honey is used while performing religious rituals. Less common is lassi served with milk and topped with a thin layer of clotted cream. Lassis are enjoyed chilled as a hot-weather refreshment, mostly taken with lunch. With a little turmeric powder mixed in, it is also used as a folk remedy for gastroenteritis. In Pakistan, salted lassi is often served with almost all kinds of meals, and is mostly made at home by simply whisking salt in yogurt and water. It is also sold at most dairy shops selling yogurt and milk, and both the salty and sweet variety are available.
How to make lassi
Traditional mild sweet (or salty) lassi
Traditional mild sweet (or salty) form of lassi is more common in North India and Punjab, Pakistan. It is prepared by blending yogurt with water and adding sugar and other spices to taste. Salt can be substituted in place of sugar. The resulting beverage is known as salted lassi. This is similar to doogh.
Sweet lassi
Sweet lassi is a form of lassi flavoured with sugar, rosewater and/or lemon, strawberry or other fruit juices. Saffron lassis, which are particularly rich, are a specialty of Rajasthan and Gujarat in India and Sindh in Pakistan. Makkhaniya lassi is simply lassi with lumps of butter in it (makkhan is the Gujarati, Hindi, Sindhi and Punjabi word for butter). It is usually creamy like a milkshake.
Mango lassi
mango lassi is gaining popularity worldwide. It is made from yogurt, water and mango pulp. It may be made with or without additional sugar. It is widely available in UK, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, and in many other parts of the world. In various parts of Canada, mango lassi is a cold drink consisting of sweetened kesar mango pulp mixed with yogurt, cream, or ice cream. It is served in a tall glass with a straw, often with ground pistachio nuts sprinkled on top.
Bhang lassi
bhang lassi is a special, narcotic lassi that contains bhang, a liquid derivative of cannabis, which has effects similar to other eaten forms of cannabis. It is legal in many parts of India and mainly sold during Holi, when pakoras containing bhang are also sometimes eaten. Uttar Pradesh is known to have licensed bhang shops, and in many places one can buy bhang products and drink bhang lassis.
Chaas
Chaas or chaach is a salted drink similar to lassi, but may contain more water than lassi and has the butterfat removed to reduce its consistency. Salt, cumin seeds or fresh coriander may be added for taste. Fresh ground ginger and green chillies may also be added as seasoning. Chaas is popular in India where it is a common beverage during or after mealtime.