Sunshine in a Glass: My Refreshing Homemade Mango Lassi

As an Indian food blogger, there’s one drink that truly captures the essence of summer and pure delight – the glorious Mango Lassi! This creamy, sweet, and incredibly refreshing beverage is a staple during mango season and a beloved treat year-round. It’s so simple to make, yet delivers an explosion of tropical flavor that will transport you straight to sunny Indian orchards. Forget store-bought versions; my homemade recipe ensures a lassi that’s perfectly balanced, thick, and bursting with fresh mango goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 large Ripe Mango, peeled and chopped (preferably Alphonso or Kesar for best flavor)
• 1 cup Plain Yogurt (full-fat for creamier texture)
• 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk recommended)
• 2-3 tbsp Sugar or Honey (adjust to mango sweetness and preference)
• 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder (optional, but highly recommended)
• A few ice cubes (optional)
• Fresh Mint leaves or a sprinkle of Pistachios, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Mango: Peel the ripe mango and chop its flesh into cubes. Ensure there are no fibrous parts.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a blender jar, add the chopped mango pieces, plain yogurt, milk, sugar or honey, and cardamom powder (if using).
3. Blend Smooth: Blend all the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no mango chunks remaining.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the lassi is too thick for your liking, add a little more milk and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Chill & Serve: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. For a colder lassi, you can add a few ice cubes to the blender and blend again, or simply chill the lassi in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish: Pour the refreshing Mango Lassi into serving glasses. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for an elegant touch.

Tips:

• Always use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. If your mangoes are not very sweet, you might need to add more sugar or honey.
• For an extra thick lassi, reduce the amount of milk. For a thinner lassi, increase it.
• You can freeze leftover mango lassi in popsicle molds for a delightful frozen treat!
• A pinch of saffron strands soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk can be added for a luxurious touch and beautiful color.