Creamy Avocado Lassi Recipe – Cardamom & Mint Indian Smoothie

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Avocado Lassi Recipe – Cardamom & Mint Indian Smoothie

Introduction

Okay, friends, let me tell you about my latest obsession: Avocado Lassi! It sounds a little… unexpected, right? But trust me on this one. It’s unbelievably creamy, refreshing, and packed with flavour. I first made this on a particularly hot summer day, craving something cool and different, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. This isn’t your typical lassi – the avocado adds a richness you won’t believe. It’s the perfect blend of Indian tradition and a healthy, modern twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Avocado Lassi is seriously a game-changer. It’s quick to make (under 10 minutes!), incredibly easy, and requires just a handful of ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy fats and nutrients. It’s a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients

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

• 1.5 avocados
• 2 cups skim milk (about 475ml)
• 1.5 cups cold water (about 350ml)
• 5 mint leaves
• 0.25 tsp cardamom powder
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg powder
• 0.25 cup condensed milk (about 60ml)
• Ice cubes, as required
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Avocado Selection: You want avocados that are ripe but not too soft. They should yield to gentle pressure, but not be mushy. A perfectly ripe avocado is key to that creamy texture.
• Skim Milk vs. Full Fat Milk: I usually use skim milk to keep it lighter, but feel free to use full-fat milk or even almond milk for a richer flavour. It really comes down to personal preference!
• The Aroma of Cardamom & Nutmeg – Spice Origins: Cardamom and nutmeg are staples in Indian cooking, bringing warmth and complexity. They’re both originally from India, and their fragrant aromas are just divine. Don’t skimp on these – they really make the lassi sing!
• Mint: Freshness & Varieties: Fresh mint is a must! I prefer spearmint for its milder flavour, but peppermint works well too if you like a bit more zing.
• Condensed Milk: Sweetness & Texture: Condensed milk adds a lovely sweetness and helps create that incredibly smooth, velvety texture. You can adjust the amount to your liking.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, wash your avocados, carefully cut them in half, remove the seed, and scoop out all that beautiful, green flesh.
2. Now, add everything except the ice cream (if using) – the avocado, milk, water, mint leaves, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and condensed milk – into your blender.
3. Blend it all up until it’s super smooth and creamy. Seriously, blend until there are absolutely no lumps!
4. Pour the mixture into the refrigerator and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This is important – a chilled lassi is a happy lassi!
5. Finally, pour into glasses and, if you’re feeling fancy, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to lassi perfection:

• Achieving the Perfect Lassi Consistency: If your lassi is too thick, add a little more milk or water. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again.
• Blending Techniques for Smoothness: A high-powered blender is your best friend here. But if you don’t have one, just blend for a little longer, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
• Chilling Time for Optimal Flavor: Don’t skip the chilling step! It allows the flavours to meld together and creates a wonderfully refreshing drink.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Avocado Lassi: Swap the dairy milk for almond milk or coconut milk, and use a plant-based condensed milk alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation (Naturally Gluten-Free): This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to worry about any substitutions!
• Spice Level Adjustment – More Cardamom?: If you really love cardamom, feel free to add a little extra. A pinch more can really elevate the flavour. My friend, Priya, adds a tiny bit of cinnamon too!
• Summer Cooling Lassi – Mango Addition: Add half a cup of chopped mango to the blender for a tropical twist. My family absolutely loves this version!

Serving Suggestions

This lassi is perfect on its own as a refreshing drink. But it also pairs beautifully with spicy Indian dishes. It’s a great way to cool down your palate after a fiery curry. You can also serve it as a dessert, especially with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.

Storage Instructions

Avocado lassi is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the colour may change slightly due to oxidation, but it will still taste delicious! Give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is a Lassi and where does it originate? Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink. It originated in the Punjab region of India and is incredibly popular throughout the country.
• Can I use frozen avocado for this lassi? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before blending.
• Can I make this lassi ahead of time? You can blend it ahead of time, but it’s best to add the ice just before serving to prevent it from becoming too watery.
• What if I don’t have cardamom or nutmeg? What can I substitute? If you don’t have cardamom, you can try a pinch of cinnamon. Nutmeg can be omitted if you don’t have it, or you can use a tiny bit of allspice.
• Is avocado lassi a healthy drink option? Absolutely! Avocados are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This lassi is a delicious and nutritious way to get your daily dose of goodness.