Made using fresh yogurt and simple flavorings, Punjabi Lassi is a traditional Indian drink. It is very refreshing and has cooling properties. It is a popular summer drink in India. Here is how to make it.
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 that 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 eateries across the streets serving this sweet treat.
As the sweetness of this drink reaches your sweet tooth, a sweet, irresistible desire urging from your heart, takes over you, making it nearly impossible to leave that glass unfinished.
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.
It can be made both sweet and salty as per your preferences and we can also flavor it with different fruits to enhance its taste.
However, the sweet version is more popular than the savory one.
In Punjab, it 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.
What is Lassi?
It 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.
You can make a sweet or savory version of it but the sweet one is more popular.
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, whereas 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 a 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
It has various health benefits. Since it 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 it is rich in calcium it is an excellent way to make your bones stronger.
Moreover, it also helps in boosting the immune system as it contains lactic acid and vitamin D.
Variations
Our traditional sweet lassi can be modified by adding various fruits such as strawberry, mangoes, banana, kiwi, and many more.
You can even grill the fruits and then blend them with yogurt for a delicious depth of flavors.
You can also flavor 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 it.
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 drink is a soothing delight.
Strawberry Lassi – The favorite drink of North India during summers and even otherwise, Strawberry Lassi is a fruity, fresh and sweet variation.
Rose Lassi – It is a delicious twist on the traditional one and is flavored 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 an evening snack.
Serving Suggestions
It 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 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 its own too.
Pro Tips by Neha
● 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 it has a thick consistency, please keep a check on the amount of water or milk added.
● If you have time, chill it in the refrigerator and avoid adding ice cubes in order to maintain the thick consistency of the lassi. If you have to serve it immediately, then you can add ice cubes.
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Step by Step Recipe
Whisk the yogurt using a wire whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder and mix well.
Roughly chop tulsi leaves and add them in the bowl and mix well.
Pour it in serving glasses. Add ice cubes and give the drink a stir.
Top with fresh malai (Optional) Garnish with slivered almonds, pistachio and dry rose petals (Optional). Serve chilled.
Punjabi Lassi Recipe
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.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!