Authentic Indian Lassi Recipe – Cardamom & Saffron Yogurt Drink

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Indian Lassi Recipe – Cardamom & Saffron Yogurt Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a cool, creamy, and incredibly refreshing drink, you have to try this Cardamom & Saffron Lassi. It’s a staple in Indian households, especially during the warmer months, and honestly, it’s my go-to when I need a little pick-me-up. I first made this for my family during a particularly hot summer, and it was an instant hit – now everyone requests it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lassi isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, it takes just 10 minutes! It’s the perfect blend of sweet, fragrant, and cooling. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful flavors of cardamom and saffron, which are so central to Indian cuisine. It’s a little slice of comfort in a glass.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful lassi:

• 2 cup yogurt
• 4-5 tablespoon sugar (adjust to your liking!)
• 1 cup water (or milk – more on that later!)
• 8-10 green cardamom pods
• 10-12 saffron strands

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things can really elevate this lassi.

• Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt is key here. It gives the lassi that wonderfully creamy texture we all crave. If you’re using Greek yogurt, you might need to add a little extra water to get the right consistency.
• Saffron: Don’t skimp on the saffron! Good quality saffron will give you that beautiful color and subtle floral aroma. A little goes a long way.
• Sweetness & Consistency: Lassi recipes vary a lot across India. Some people prefer it super sweet, others less so. Similarly, some use water for a lighter lassi, while others swear by milk for extra richness. Feel free to experiment and find what you love.
• Cardamom: Freshly crushed cardamom seeds are best! The flavor is so much more vibrant.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to making this magic happen!

1. First, gently crush those green cardamom pods to get the seeds out. Then, grind them into a fine powder. This releases all those amazing flavors.
2. In a bowl, whisk the chilled yogurt until it’s smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
3. Now, add the sugar and cold water (or milk, if you’re feeling fancy) to the yogurt. Start with the 1 cup of water and add more if you want a thinner lassi.
4. Time to blend! You can use a whisk for a bit of an arm workout, or a blender or immersion mixer for a quicker result. Blend until the mixture is nice and frothy.
5. Stir in the cardamom powder and those precious saffron strands. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
6. Pour into glasses, garnish with a sprinkle of nuts (pistachios or almonds are lovely!), a few extra saffron strands, or a dash of cardamom powder. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Chill Everything: Using chilled yogurt and water (or milk) is crucial for a refreshing lassi.
• Don’t Overblend: Overblending can make the lassi too thin. Blend just until frothy.
• Saffron Infusion: For a more intense saffron flavor, soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the lassi.

Variations

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

• Vegan Lassi: My friend, Priya, is vegan and loves making lassi with plant-based yogurt (coconut or almond yogurt work great!).
• Sugar-Free Lassi: If you’re watching your sugar intake, use stevia or another sweetener of your choice.
• Mango Lassi Adaptation: Add about a cup of chopped mango to the blender for a classic Mango Lassi. My kids adore this one!
• Rose Lassi Adaptation: A teaspoon of rose water adds a beautiful floral note.
• Spice Level: For a little kick, add a tiny pinch of ground ginger.

Serving Suggestions

Lassi is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with Indian meals. It’s especially good with spicy dishes, as it helps cool the palate. It’s also a lovely drink to enjoy with a light snack or dessert.

Storage Instructions

Lassi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is Lassi a good source of probiotics? Yes! Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
• What type of yogurt is best for Lassi? Full-fat yogurt is ideal for a creamy texture, but you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt as well.
• Can I make Lassi ahead of time? You can, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you make it ahead, stir well before serving.
• How do I adjust the thickness of my Lassi? Add more water for a thinner lassi, or more yogurt for a thicker one.
• What is the purpose of saffron in Lassi? Saffron adds a beautiful color, subtle floral aroma, and a touch of luxury to the lassi.

Enjoy making (and drinking!) this delicious Cardamom & Saffron Lassi. I hope it brings a little bit of Indian sunshine into your day! Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out.