Cool Mint & Coriander Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cool Mint & Coriander Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you crave something cool, refreshing, and a little bit zesty when the weather heats up. And honestly, nothing hits the spot quite like a homemade lassi. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for a vibrant Mint & Coriander Lassi – it’s an absolute lifesaver during those scorching summer days! I first made this when I was trying to recreate the lassi my Dadi (grandmother) used to make, and after a few tries, I think I’ve gotten pretty close.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any lassi. The combination of mint and coriander is seriously magical – it’s so incredibly refreshing and flavorful. It’s quick to whip up, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cool down without feeling weighed down. Trust me, one sip and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious lassi:

• 2 cups plain yogurt/curd
• ½ cup mint leaves
• ½ cup coriander leaves
• 1 chopped green chili
• 1 inch ginger root (minced)
• 1 tbsp roasted coriander powder (approx. 8g)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (approx. 5g)
• ¼ tsp black mustard seeds powder (approx. 1g)
• ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder (approx. 2g)
• ½ tsp white pepper powder (approx. 2.5g)
• ½ tbsp sugar (approx. 8g)
• ½ tbsp black salt (approx. 8g)
• ¾ cup water (approx. 180ml)
• 3-4 mint leaves for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things make this lassi extra special:

• Roasted Spices: Don’t skip roasting the coriander and cumin seeds! It really deepens their flavor. Just a quick dry roast in a pan until fragrant does the trick.
• Full-Fat Yogurt: Seriously, use full-fat yogurt (or curd). It gives the lassi the perfect creamy texture. Low-fat yogurt just won’t have the same richness.
• Spice Levels: Spice tolerance varies, right? Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili to your liking. My family prefers a little kick, but you can easily tone it down.
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): This is a game-changer! It adds a unique, slightly sulfurous flavor that’s so characteristic of Indian cuisine.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, grab your blender. Add the mint leaves, coriander leaves, chopped green chili, and minced ginger. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant green paste.
2. Now, add the roasted coriander powder, cumin powder, mustard seeds powder, white pepper, sugar, and black salt to the blender.
3. Pour in the whisked yogurt and water. Blend, blend, blend! Keep going until the mixture is nice and frothy – this is key for a good lassi.
4. Pour the lassi into serving glasses.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. A tiny sprinkle of black salt or pepper on top is optional, but adds a nice touch.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

• Chill Your Glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving. It keeps the lassi colder for longer.
• Whisk the Yogurt: Whisking the yogurt before adding it to the blender helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother texture.
• Adjust Consistency: If the lassi is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of yogurt.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Option: Easily make this lassi vegan by using your favorite plant-based yogurt! Coconut yogurt or almond yogurt work really well.
• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy lassi. She adds an extra green chili and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Feel free to experiment!
• Festival Adaptations: This lassi is a huge hit during Holi or any summer celebration. It’s so refreshing after all the dancing and fun!

Serving Suggestions

This lassi is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras
• A light lunch of roti and sabzi
• Grilled meats or vegetables

Storage Instructions

While this lassi is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture might change slightly, so give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this lassi better with sweet or sour yogurt? Traditionally, slightly sour yogurt is preferred as it balances the sweetness of the sugar and the spice. But honestly, use what you like!
• Can I use mint extract instead of fresh mint? While you can use mint extract in a pinch, it won’t have the same fresh, vibrant flavor as fresh mint leaves. I highly recommend using fresh mint if possible.
• What is black salt and can I substitute it? Black salt (kala namak) has a unique sulfurous flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use regular salt, but it won’t have the same distinctive taste.
• How can I make this lassi ahead of time? You can blend the mint-coriander paste ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add the remaining ingredients and blend when you’re ready to serve.
• Can I add fruit to this lassi? Absolutely! Mango, banana, or berries would all be delicious additions.

Enjoy this cool and refreshing lassi! I hope it becomes a summer staple in your home, just like it is in mine. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!