Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mango Lassi Recipe – Creamy Indian Yogurt Drink with Cardamom

Introduction

Oh, Mango Lassi. Just the name conjures up warm summer days and the sweet, comforting taste of mangoes! This creamy, dreamy drink is a staple in Indian households, and honestly, it’s my go-to when I’m craving something refreshing and a little bit indulgent. I first made this for my family during a particularly hot summer, and it was an instant hit – now everyone requests it whenever I visit! It’s unbelievably easy to make, and I’m so excited to share my recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mango Lassi isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a quick breakfast, a cooling afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes! It’s naturally gluten-free, and easily adaptable to be vegan too (more on that later!). Honestly, once you try making your own, you’ll ditch the store-bought versions for good.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this sunshine in a glass:

• 1 ½ cups ripe mango, peeled and chopped (about 250g)
• ¾ cup plain yogurt (about 180ml)
• ¼ cup milk (about 60ml)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (about 25g)
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your lassi.

Mango Selection – Choosing the Right Variety

The star of the show is, of course, the mango! Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard for lassi – their rich, sweet flavor and creamy texture are unbeatable. However, they can be pricey or hard to find depending on where you are. Other great options include Kesar, Dasheri, or even good quality Honey mangoes. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Yogurt Type – Full Fat vs. Low Fat

I usually use full-fat yogurt for the richest, creamiest lassi. It really makes a difference in the texture. But, if you prefer a lighter version, low-fat or even Greek yogurt will work. Just be aware that Greek yogurt will result in a thicker lassi, so you might need to add a splash more milk.

Cardamom – Freshly Ground vs. Store-Bought

Cardamom adds a beautiful aromatic complexity to the lassi. Freshly ground cardamom is always best – the flavor is so much more vibrant. But, if you’re short on time, good quality store-bought cardamom powder is perfectly fine.

Sweetness Level – Adjusting to Your Preference

The amount of sugar is really up to you! Mangoes vary in sweetness, so always taste and adjust. I usually start with 2 tablespoons, but sometimes I add a little more if the mangoes aren’t super ripe. You can also substitute with honey or maple syrup (see FAQs!).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, add the chopped mango, yogurt, milk, sugar, salt, and cardamom powder (if using) to your blender.
2. Now, blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. This usually takes about a minute or two, depending on your blender.
3. Give it a taste! This is the crucial step. Add more sugar if you like it sweeter, or a tiny pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
4. Finally, pour the lassi into glasses and serve immediately chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of cardamom or a tiny mango slice if you’re feeling fancy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect Mango Lassi:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Want a thicker lassi? Use frozen mango chunks or add a couple of ice cubes while blending. For a thinner lassi, simply add a little more milk.

Preventing Separation

Sometimes lassi can separate after sitting for a while. To prevent this, blend everything really well and serve immediately. If it does separate, just give it a quick stir!

Enhancing the Mango Flavor

A squeeze of lime juice can really brighten up the mango flavor. Try adding about ½ teaspoon to the blender.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation! Here are a few of my favorite variations:

Vegan Mango Lassi

Swap the dairy yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt. Almond milk works great too!

Mango Lassi with Saffron (Kesar Mango Lassi)

My grandmother’s recipe! Add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk to the blender. It adds a beautiful color and a luxurious flavor.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Ginger or Chili

For a little kick, add a tiny piece of grated ginger or a pinch of chili powder to the blender. Trust me, it’s surprisingly good!

Mango Lassi for Holi – Festive Adaptations

During Holi, we love to add a splash of rose water to our Mango Lassi for a floral aroma. It’s a beautiful and refreshing treat for the festival of colors.

Gluten-Free Mango Lassi

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Mango Lassi is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving.

Pairing with Indian Meals

It’s the perfect accompaniment to spicy Indian dishes like biryani, curry, or tandoori chicken. The coolness of the lassi helps balance the heat.

Mango Lassi as a Dessert

It’s delicious on its own as a light and refreshing dessert.

Serving with Snacks

Serve it alongside samosas, pakoras, or other savory snacks for a complete treat.

Storage Instructions

Can You Make Mango Lassi Ahead of Time?

You can make Mango Lassi a few hours in advance, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It may separate slightly, so give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing Mango Lassi

While not ideal, you can freeze Mango Lassi. The texture will change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit icy. It’s still tasty, but best used in smoothies or as a base for other desserts.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What type of mango is best for lassi?

Alphonso mangoes are the best, but Kesar, Dasheri, or Honey mangoes are also excellent choices.

Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen mango chunks work great, and they’ll make your lassi extra thick and cold.

How can I make mango lassi thicker?

Use frozen mango, add a couple of ice cubes, or use Greek yogurt.

What is the purpose of cardamom in mango lassi?

Cardamom adds a beautiful aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the mango.

Can I substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar?

Yes, you can! Use about 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, adjusting to your taste.

Is mango lassi good for digestion?

Yogurt is a probiotic, which is good for gut health. Mangoes also contain enzymes that aid digestion. So, yes, Mango Lassi can be good for digestion in moderation!