Made using fresh yogurt and simple flavourings, Punjabi Lassi is a traditional Indian drink. It is very refreshing and have cooling properties. It is a popular summer drink in India. Here is how to make Lassi Recipe.
Summers in India are harsh. In the scorching heat of summer we all need something so cool that it just refreshes us to the core. Lassi is a yogurt based refreshing drink which perfectly serves this purpose.
Summers and Lassi are the Monica and Chandler of the food industry. As soon as the summer season arrives, you get to see all the eatries across the streets serving this sweet treat.
As the sweetness of this lassi reaches your sweet tooth, a sweet, irresistible desire urging from your heart, takes over you, making it nearly impossible to leave that glass unfinished.
Lassi is a classic yogurt based drink which is popular not just in Punjab but all across the country. The cooling properties of Punjabi lassi, with some cardamom powder not only refreshes you in the roasting heat of summer, but also cools down the heat in your body.
Tulsi Leaves (Indian Holy Basil) are a common addition in Punjabi Lassi. It not only gives a lovely flavour to this drink, but also has cooling properties. So it adds on to the cooling properties of the yogurt.
Lassi can be made both sweet and salty as per your preferences and we can also flavour lassi with different fruits to enhance its taste. However, sweet version is more popular than the savory one.
In Punjab, Lassi and is relished by everyone on a daily basis. Smooth, creamy and thick yogurt based lassi served in large brass glasses and topped up with some fresh soft white butter or thick malai (Fresh Cream) is all that you need after a hectic day at work to just re-energize yourself. Now let us know all about this amazingly delicious lassi.
What is Lassi?
Lassi is a yogurt based drink, which is prepared by churning homemade yogurt and flavoring it with some cardamom powder, serving as a perfect Indian summer drink. It is a traditional Punjabi drink which has become popular all over the world now.
What is the difference between Lassi and Buttermilk?
Despite the fact that, both lassi and buttermilk are Indian summer drinks they are highly different from each other. Buttermilk is a popular drink from Gujarat and Rajasthan, where as Lassi belongs to the heart of Punjab.
Buttermilk is prepared from the liquid left after taking out butter from the milk, lassi on the other hand, is prepared from yogurt. Buttermilk has thin consistency and is savory while lassi is thick, smooth and creamy in texture and can be both sweet as well as salty in taste.
Health Benefits of Lassi
Lassi has various health benefits. Since lassi is made from yogurt it contains healthy bacteria called lactobacilli which lubricates the intestine and aids smooth digestion.
It prevents stomach related problems like bloating and is also a good source of probiotics.
Since lassi is rich in calcium it is an excellent way to make your bones stronger.
Moreover, lassi also helps in boosting immune system as it contains lactic acid and vitamin D.
Different Types of Lassi
Our traditional sweet lassi can be modified by adding various fruits such as strawberry, mangoes, banana, kiwi and many more. You can also flavour it with some rose syrup or chocolate sauce and also with some dry fruits of your choice.
During holi, some people add Bhang (Cannabis) in the Lassi.
Here are some of my fav versions
Mango Lassi – Nicely frothed with fresh dollops of yogurt, ripe mango, sugar, cardamom powder and heaps of ice cubes, this easy to make Indian Mango Lassi is a soothing delight.
Strawberry Lassi – The favourite drink of North India during summers and even otherwise, Strawberry Lassi is a fruity, fresh and sweet variation of so-famous Lassi. If you are a lassi and a strawberry fan then you would gulp glasses of this beverage on repeats for sure.
Rose Lassi – Rose Lassi is a delicious twist on the traditional lassi and is flavoured with rose syrup to give it a nice pink hue and a refreshing taste. It is a perfect drink to serve for breakfast or for evening snack.
Tulsi Honey Lassi – Tulsi Honey Lassi is a refreshing beverage made using fresh curd and flavoring it with Indian Holy Basil leaves and honey. It is perfect for summers.
Kesar Elaichi Lassi – Kesar Elaichi Lassi is great for upcoming summer season. It refreshes and energises you any time of the day. Make it at home this summer.
What to serve with Lassi?
Lassi has cooling properties and that’s why it is generally served as a complement to spicy food in order to balance out the heat of the spices. For example, you can serve a glass of Lassi along with some delicious parathas or some mouthwatering snacks like samosa, kachori, bread pakora, chole bhature and various others.
This drink is quite filling and hence it can be served on it’s own too.
Some Tips to Prepare Perfect Lassi
● Prefer to use a steel whisk, a fork or a madhani and avoid using electric blender or grinder to churn the yogurt. By doing so, the texture of the yogurt is creamy and thick.
● Prefer not to use sour curd and instead use fresh homemade curd.
● Since lassi has a thick consistency, please keep a check on the amount of water or milk being added.
● If you have time, chill the lassi in the refrigerator and avoid adding ice cubes in order to maintain the thick consistency of the lassi. If you have to serve the lassi immediately, then you can add ice cubes.
How to make Punjabi Lassi Step by Step
Whisk the yogurt using wire whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder and mix well.
Roughly chop tulsi leaves and add them in the lassi and mix well.
Pour the lassi in serving glasses. Add ice cubes and give the lassi a stir.
Top with fresh malai (Optional) Garnish with slivered almonds, pistachio and dry rose petals (Optional). Serve chilled.
Lassi Recipe
Punjabi Lassi
Made using fresh yogurt and simple flavourings, Punjabi Lassi is a traditional Indian drink. It is very refreshing and have cooling properties. It is a popular summer drink in India.
Ingredients
- 400 g Plain Yogurt Chilled
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Cardamom Powder
- 10-12 Tulsi Leaves
Instructions
Whisk the yogurt using wire whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder and mix well.
Roughly chop tulsi leaves and add them in the lassi and mix well.
Pour the lassi in serving glasses.
Add ice cubes and give the lassi a stir
Top with fresh malai (Optional)
Garnish with slivered almonds, pistachio and dry rose petals (Optional)
Serve chilled.
Recipe Notes
Do not use a mixer grinder to whisk the yogurt. Wire whisk or a wooden madani works best.
You can add various fruit purees or flavourings to this plain lassi to make new variations.
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