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.
Here are some more Drinks that are apt for Summer – Sattu Drink, Aam Panna Drink, Hyderabadi Badam Ka Hareera, Aamras, and Masala Chaas.
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About This Recipe
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 slowly and steadily become popular all over the world now. In Punjab, it is relished by everyone on a daily basis. Not only in homes, but you will also find it almost at every road side dhaba in North India.
You can make a sweet or savory version of it but the sweet one is more popular.
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 this drink not only refreshes you in the roasting heat of summer but also cools down the heat in your body.
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.
This drink is,
- Refreshing
- Perfect for Summers
- Hydrating
- Filling
- Loved by everyone
Ingredients
Yogurt – Yogurt is whisked and then added with some more ingredients to make this refreshing drink. Taste the yogurt before you use, if it’s too sour do not use it.
You can use homemade yogurt or can use the store bought one too.
Cardamom Powder – This is the key ingredient that takes the taste of Lassi to another level. It not only adds taste but gives it a subtle aroma.
You can also crush the whole cardamoms, discard the outer layer, and add the crushed seeds.
Powdered Sugar – Add powdered sugar, so that it gets dissolved in the yogurt easily.
Tulsi Leaves – This is optional, but I like the distinct flavor it adds. If you cannot find Tulsi Leaves, you can add in mint leaves too.
You can also add in a little saffron, for that light hint of yellow colour.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite the fact that both 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.
To make Savoury or Salted Lassi, add a little salt and roasted cumin powder in the thick yogurt mixture instead of powdered sugar. Add in some tulsi or mint leaves and serve chilled.
Shahi Lassi is the same as the Normal Lassi, it is just made rich by topping it with saffron, homemade Makhan/Butter, Rose Petals and is loaded with chopped dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
Yogurt is said to be very good for your body, especially in Summers. It keeps you hydrated, helps in digestion, and also cools down your body. So, including it in your everyday Summer meals can be very healthy.
But as it has sugar, you can cut down on the quantity and have it once a while. You can include Salted Lassi in your everyday meals, in Summers.
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 Stuffed 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.
Storing Suggestions
This Punjabi Lassi will last in the fridge for 1-2 days when stored properly in a sealed glass container. Do not add Ice cubes, if you are planning to refrigerate it.
If you feel it has become too thick, add in a little chilled milk to thin it out and get it to the right consistency.
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Recipe Card
Lassi Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g Plain Yogurt (Chilled)
- ¼ 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 it a stir
- Top with fresh malai (Optional)
- Garnish with slivered almonds, pistachio and dry rose petals (Optional)
- Serve chilled.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!