Pineapple Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink with Cardamom

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Pineapple Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink with Cardamom

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink, especially when the weather heats up. And honestly, nothing beats a cool, creamy glass of Pineapple Lassi. It’s a taste of sunshine in a glass, and it’s so incredibly easy to make. I first made this for a summer picnic with friends, and it was a huge hit – everyone asked for the recipe! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pineapple Lassi isn’t just delicious; it’s a little slice of Indian summer tradition. It’s quick to whip up (seriously, 5 minutes!), requires minimal ingredients, and is unbelievably cooling. Plus, the cardamom adds a beautiful, fragrant touch that elevates it beyond your average fruit smoothie. It’s perfect for a hot afternoon, a light breakfast, or even as a delightful accompaniment to your Indian meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Pineapple Lassi:

• 2 cups pineapple pieces (about 300g)
• 2.5 cups plain curd (dahi) (about 600ml)
• 2 tbsp sugar (about 25g)
• 1.5 cups chilled water (about 360ml)
• 2 cardamom pods

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – getting these right makes all the difference!

Pineapple: Choosing the Right Pineapple

A ripe pineapple is key! Look for one that feels heavy for its size and smells sweet at the base. Gently tug at the leaves – if they pull out easily, it’s a good sign. You’ll need about 300g of pineapple pieces.

Curd (Dahi): Types and Substitutions

We’re using plain curd (dahi) here, which is similar to yogurt but has a slightly tangier flavour. Full-fat curd gives the richest, creamiest lassi, but you can use low-fat or even Greek yogurt if you prefer. If using Greek yogurt, you might need to add a little extra water to reach the desired consistency.

Cardamom: Fresh vs. Ground & Regional Variations

Cardamom is a game-changer in Indian desserts and drinks. I prefer using cardamom pods and lightly crushing them to release their aroma. You can use about ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom if you don’t have pods, but the flavour won’t be quite as vibrant. In some regions of India, a pinch of saffron is also added for a luxurious touch!

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Two tablespoons of sugar usually does the trick for me, but feel free to adjust this to your liking. Pineapples vary in sweetness, so taste as you go! You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.

Water: Importance of Chilled Water

Don’t skip the chilled water! It’s what gives the lassi that refreshing, icy texture. Using room temperature water will result in a thinner, less satisfying drink.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some lassi!

1. First, add the pineapple pieces and sugar to your blender. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant puree.
2. Now, add the curd (dahi) to the blender. Blend again until everything is beautifully creamy and well combined. Don’t overblend, or it might become too thin.
3. Pour in the chilled water and give it a final whisk (or a quick blend) to achieve a frothy, light consistency.
4. Fill your serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the lassi over the ice.
5. Finally, lightly crush the cardamom pods and sprinkle the fragrant powder over each glass. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

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

Achieving the Perfect Lassi Consistency

The key is balance! You want it thick and creamy, but still pourable. Adjust the amount of water to reach your desired consistency.

Blending Techniques for Smoothness

A high-speed blender will give you the smoothest results. If you don’t have one, blend in stages, scraping down the sides as needed.

Keeping the Lassi Cold

Lassi is best enjoyed immediately. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, but it may separate slightly. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Variations

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

Vegan Pineapple Lassi

Swap the curd for a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by using cashew yogurt for an extra creamy texture.

Gluten-Free Pineapple Lassi

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your yogurt doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Spice Level Adjustment: Adding Ginger or Chili

For a little kick, add a small piece of grated ginger or a pinch of chili powder to the blender. It’s surprisingly good!

Festival Adaptations: Serving During Summer Festivals

During festivals like Baisakhi or Holi, I love to add a sprinkle of rose petals for a festive touch. It looks beautiful and adds a subtle floral aroma.

Serving Suggestions

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

• Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras
• A light lunch of roti and sabzi
• As a refreshing dessert after a rich meal

Storage Instructions

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover Pineapple Lassi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that it may separate, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Lassi and where does it originate from?

Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink. It originated in the Punjab region of India and is incredibly popular throughout the country, especially during the hot summer months.

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen pineapple will make your lassi extra thick and cold. You might need to add a little extra water to help it blend.

What type of curd is best for Pineapple Lassi?

Full-fat, plain curd (dahi) gives the richest flavour and creamiest texture. However, you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt as substitutes.

How can I make Pineapple Lassi ahead of time?

You can blend everything together and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. It might separate, so give it a good stir before serving.

Can I add other fruits to this Pineapple Lassi recipe?

Definitely! Mango, banana, or strawberries would all be delicious additions. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique flavour combinations!

Enjoy your homemade Pineapple Lassi! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of Indian sunshine into your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!