Authentic Mango Lassi Recipe – Saffron & Cardamom Flavored Yogurt Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Mango Lassi Recipe – Saffron & Cardamom Flavored Yogurt Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a taste of sunshine in a glass, you’ve come to the right place. This Mango Lassi recipe is a family favorite, and honestly, it’s my go-to when I need a little pick-me-up. It’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with the flavors of mango, saffron, and cardamom. I first made this for a summer party years ago, and it was an instant hit – everyone kept asking for the recipe! Let’s get blending, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any Mango Lassi. It’s a little bit special. The addition of saffron and cardamom elevates it from a simple yogurt drink to something truly luxurious. It’s incredibly refreshing, perfect for hot days, and comes together in just a few minutes. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can easily adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. Honestly, it’s the perfect balance of deliciousness and ease!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1.5 cup yogurt
• 4-5 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2-3 saffron strands (kesar)
• 2-3 cardamoms
• As needed ice cubes
• 2 glasses chilled water
• 3-4 almonds and pistachios (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference in the final flavor.

• Kesar/Saffron – its quality & impact on flavor: Don’t skimp on the saffron! Good quality saffron will give your lassi that beautiful golden hue and a subtle, floral aroma. A little goes a long way, but the flavor payoff is huge.
• Type of Yogurt – full fat vs low fat: I usually use full-fat yogurt for the richest, creamiest lassi. But, if you prefer a lighter version, low-fat yogurt works just fine. It just won’t be quite as decadent.
• Cardamom – green vs black: I prefer green cardamom for this recipe – it has a brighter, more floral flavor. Black cardamom has a smokier profile, which isn’t quite what we’re going for here.
• Regional variations in sweetness: Sweetness is a personal thing! In some parts of India, lassi is quite sweet, while others prefer a more tart flavor. Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. My grandmother always said a little extra sugar is good for the soul!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some lassi! It’s seriously easy.

1. First, add the yogurt, sugar, saffron strands, and crushed cardamoms to your blender.
2. Pour in the chilled water.
3. Now, add a generous handful of ice cubes. The amount of ice will determine how thick your lassi is, so add more if you like it extra frosty.
4. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and frothy. This usually takes about a minute or two.
5. Pour the lassi into serving glasses filled with ice cubes.
6. Finally, sprinkle some coarsely crushed almonds and pistachios on top for a beautiful garnish and a little extra crunch.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Chill everything! Using chilled yogurt and water will give you the best, most refreshing lassi.
• Don’t over-blend. Over-blending can make the lassi too thin.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the sugar and cardamom to your liking.
• Crush the cardamom: Lightly crushing the cardamom pods releases their flavor. You can use a mortar and pestle or just gently crush them with the flat side of a knife.

Variations

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

• Vegan Mango Lassi: Swap the yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. It’s surprisingly delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by coconut yogurt.
• Sugar-Free Mango Lassi: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
• Spice Level Adjustment – adding ginger: A tiny piece of grated ginger adds a lovely warmth and zing.
• Festival Adaptations – Holi: During Holi, I sometimes add a pinch of rosewater for a floral twist.
• Summer Cooling Drink: Add a few mint leaves for an extra cooling effect.

Serving Suggestions

Mango Lassi is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Spicy Indian food – it helps cool the palate.
• A light breakfast or brunch.
• As a refreshing afternoon snack.
• Alongside traditional Indian sweets.

Storage Instructions

Lassi is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that it may separate slightly, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh? Absolutely! Frozen mango works great, especially if fresh mango isn’t in season. Just make sure to thaw it slightly before blending.
• What is the best type of yogurt to use for lassi? Full-fat yogurt gives the richest flavor, but low-fat or Greek yogurt will also work.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the lassi? Start with less sugar and add more to taste.
• What is the purpose of saffron in lassi? Saffron adds a beautiful color, aroma, and subtle flavor. It’s a traditional ingredient that elevates the lassi.
• Can I make lassi ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It might separate, so stir well before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Mango 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!