Sweet Lassi Recipe (Refreshing Indian Yogurt Drink)
Sweet Lassi is a creamy yogurt-based Indian drink (especially from Punjab) made with curd (yogurt), sugar, and aromatic flavorings such as cardamom or rose water. This cooling beverage is especially popular during hot summer months and is often served after meals. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this homemade sweet lassi is creamy, refreshing, and naturally probiotic.
Servings: 2 people
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups chilled plain yogurt
- ¼ cup chilled water or chilled milk
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder or ½ teaspoon rose water or ½ teaspoon kewra water
- 2 Ice cubes plus more for serving
- slivered almonds and pistachios for garnishing
- dried rose petals for garnishing
Instructions
- Add yogurt, water, sugar, cardamom powder, and ice cubes to a blender.
- Blend for 30-40 seconds or until frothy.
- Pour it into serving glasses, then add a few ice cubes to each. Garnish with slivered almonds, pistachios, and dried rose petals, and serve immediately.
If using homemade curd, do not add any water at first. Blend everything well and then check the consistency of the lassi. If it's thick, then add water. Homemade curd tends to release water when blended, and if you add more water, the lassi can become very thin.
The consistency of sweet lassi is like thin pancake batter. If the lassi is too thick, whisk in cold water or milk one tablespoon at a time until it loosens. If it is too thin, blend in more yogurt, then chill briefly to help it set. If it tastes too tangy, balance the sourness with a little sugar or honey, and use milder yogurt next time. If it is grainy, make sure the sugar dissolves fully by blending well or using superfine sugar, and strain the lassi if needed for a smoother finish.
Keep a thick layer of malai (fresh cream from boiled milk) on top of the lassi to make it even more indulgent. This is how it is served at most sweet shops in India.
Notes
Most homes in India make fresh dahi every day and use it to make lassi. If you don’t make dahi at home, then you can buy a tub from an Indian grocery store. Just ensure it is not sour, otherwise the lassi will taste tangy instead of sweet. You can also use plain Greek yogurt in place of dahi.
Sweet lassi is traditionally sweetened with granulated white sugar. However, you can replace sugar with jaggery powder, cane sugar, or coconut sugar. Sugar-free substitutes also work in this recipe.
Water is used to thin down the lassi. You can use milk in place of water for a richer lassi.
You can also add ½ teaspoon rose water or ½ teaspoon kewra water, along with a few strands of saffron, to this recipe to enhance its flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 0.2mg
