Best Mango Lassi {Yogurt Smoothie Recipe}

There’s nothing quite like a chilled glass of Mango Lassi to rescue you from hot summer days. This delightful concoction hails from the vibrant kitchens of India and offers a refreshing escape into the world of tropical bliss.

With the sun-ripened sweetness of mangoes and the cooling comfort of yogurt, Mango Lassi is a timeless and delicious drink.

Get ready to blend the lusciousness of ripe mangoes, the creaminess of yogurt, and the soothing chill of ice into a harmonious union that promises to tantalize your taste buds and keep you cool on the hottest of summer days.

Let’s dive into this sweet escape that is the Mango Lassi.

​What Is Lassi?

Lassi is a popular traditional yogurt-based drink originating from the Indian subcontinent. It’s a refreshing and cooling beverage that’s commonly consumed in India and neighboring countries, particularly during hot summer months.

Lassi is known for its creamy texture and can be made in various flavors and styles, but the two primary types are sweet lassi and salty (or savory) lassi.

Here’s a brief overview of the two main types:

1. Sweet Lassi: A sweet lassi drink is made with yogurt, water (or milk), and sweeteners like sugar or honey. It’s often flavored with fruits, fruit purees, or spices. Mango lassi, as mentioned in the previous recipe, is a popular variation made with sweet mangoes.
2. Salty (Savory) Lassi: Salty lassi is a more savory version of the yogurt  drink. It is made using yogurt, water, and seasonings like salt and spices such as cumin or black pepper. Sometimes, fresh herbs like cilantro or mint are added for extra flavor. Salty lassi is often served as a refreshing accompaniment to meals, and it’s known for its ability to aid digestion.

Mango Lassi is a popular and refreshing Indian beverage that combines ripe mangoes with yogurt and other simple ingredients to create a creamy and sweet drink.

Mango Lassi is a beloved beverage in the Punjab region, which spans across both northern India and eastern Pakistan. 

1. Mango: The star ingredient of a Mango Lassi is ripe mango. You can use fresh mangoes or, as is common in many recipes, frozen mango chunks. The sweetness and flavor of the mango are what give the lassi its distinctive taste.
2. Yogurt: Yogurt is a fundamental component of lassi. It provides creaminess, tanginess, and a probiotic element to the drink. Whole milk yogurt is typically used for a richer texture.
3. Milk: Milk is often added to Mango Lassi to achieve the desired consistency and to enhance the creaminess of the drink. You can use whole milk or other milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk if you prefer.
4. Sweetener: To sweeten the Mango Lassi, you can use sugar, honey, or other sweeteners. The amount of sweetener you use depends on the sweetness of the mango and your personal taste.
5. Ice: Ice cubes are often added to make the lassi cold and refreshing. They also help to thicken the drink and create a slushy texture.
6. Flavorings (Optional): Some recipes may include additional flavorings like cardamom powder, saffron strands, or rose water to enhance the taste and aroma of the lassi.

Mango Lassi is typically made by blending all these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The result is a thick and rich drink with a delightful balance of sweet mango and tangy yogurt flavors.

It can be served as a dessert or a cooling beverage, and it’s a popular choice in Indian restaurants and homes alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Refreshing and Tropical Flavor: Mango Lassi has a delightful and refreshing tropical flavor thanks to the ripe mangoes. The sweet and tangy taste of mango combined with the creamy yogurt creates a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile.
2. Cooling and Perfect for Hot Weather: Mango Lassi is a fantastic choice for cooling down on a hot day. The addition of ice cubes and the chilled ingredients make it incredibly refreshing.
3. Customizable Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the Mango Lassi to your liking. This recipe allows for flexibility in the amount of sugar you add, making it suitable for different taste preferences.
4. Healthy and Nutritious: Mango Lassi is a healthier alternative to many sugary beverages. It contains yogurt, which is rich in probiotics, and mangoes, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
5. Versatile: You can enjoy Mango Lassi as a dessert, a snack, or as an accompaniment to spicy Indian dishes. Its versatility makes it a great addition to various meals and occasions.
6. Easy to Make: This recipe is relatively simple and quick to prepare. You can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy a homemade treat.
7. Nostalgic and Authentic: For those who have a connection to Indian cuisine or have fond memories of enjoying Mango Lassi in Indian restaurants, making it at home can bring back nostalgic feelings.

How to make Mango Lassi 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup ripe mangos, preferably previously frozen
• 1/2 cup whole milk (sub with dairy free; oat milk, almond milk)
• 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp plain, whole-milk greek yogurt (sub with low-fat yogurt or coconut yogurt)
• 2-4 tbsp store-bought Indian mango pulp sweetened (or canned mango pulp)
• 1.5-2 tbsp cane sugar (optional)
• 7-8 ice cubes if mango not frozen

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • If your mango is not already frozen, you can peel, dice, and freeze it for at least 2 hours before making the lassi.
   • Make sure your yogurt, milk, and mango pulp are chilled for a refreshing lassi.
2. Blend the Mango and Sugar:
   • Add the frozen mango chunks to a blender.
   • Add the cane sugar or white sugar (optional). You can adjust the sweetness later, depending on your taste.
   • Blend until the mango and sugar are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Yogurt and Milk:
   • Add the plain yogurt and whole milk to the blender.
   • Blend again until everything is thoroughly mixed, and the lassi becomes creamy.
4. Adjust Sweetness:
   • Taste the lassi and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed. Blend again to combine.
5. Add Ice Cubes (optional):
   • Add the ice cubes to the blender.
   • Blend until the ice cubes are crushed and the lassi is nice and cold.
6. Final Check:
   • Taste the lassi one more time to ensure it’s as sweet as you like and has the right creamy consistency. You can also adjust the thickness by adding more yogurt or milk if desired.
7. Serve:
   • Pour the Mango Lassi into glasses.
   • Optionally, garnish with a little mango pulp on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve your delicious Mango Lassi immediately while it’s still cold. It’s a perfect drink to enjoy on its own or as an accompaniment to Indian meals.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness and thickness of the lassi according to your preference. Some people also like to add a pinch of cardamom powder for extra flavor.

The best mangoes to use for Mango Lassi are those that are ripe, sweet, and full of flavor. 

1. Alphonso (Hapus): Alphonso mangoes are often considered the “king of mangoes” due to their exceptional sweetness and rich flavor. They are widely used in India for making Mango Lassi and other mango-based desserts.
2. Kesar: Kesar mangoes are known for their vibrant saffron-colored flesh and sweet, aromatic flavor. They are a popular choice for Mango Lassi and mango-based sweets.
3. Ataulfo (Champagne): These mangoes are known for their smooth, non-fibrous texture and sweet, tropical flavor. Ataulfo mangoes are widely available in the United States and are great for making lassi.

Where do Mango Lassis Come From

Mango Lassi is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in India. India is known for its rich culinary traditions and diverse array of beverages, and the Mango Lassi is one such creation that has gained worldwide popularity.

Mango lassi variations

1. Cardamom Mango Lassi: Cardamom is a common spice used in Indian cuisine, and it pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of mango. To make a Cardamom Mango Lassi, add a pinch of ground cardamom to the blender along with the other ingredients. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but a little goes a long way.
2. Rose water Mango Lassi: Rosewater adds a delicate floral aroma and flavor to Mango Lassi. To make a Rose water Mango Lassi, add a few drops of food-grade rosewater to the blender. Be cautious not to overdo it, as rosewater can be quite potent.
3. Saffron Mango Lassi: Saffron is a luxurious spice known for its distinct flavor and vibrant color. To make a Saffron Mango Lassi, infuse a pinch of saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk or a little water until it releases its color and flavor. Add this saffron-infused liquid to the blender along with the other ingredients.
4. Mint Mango Lassi: Fresh mint leaves can be added to give your Mango Lassi a refreshing and herbal twist. Just add a few washed mint leaves to the blender before blending. 
5. Salted Mango Lassi (Namkeen Lassi): While sweet Mango Lassi is more common, you can make a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding a pinch of salt, a dash of cumin powder, and even a bit of black pepper. Salted Mango Lassi, also known as Namkeen Lassi, is a refreshing and tangy beverage often consumed as a digestive aid.
6. Coconut Mango Lassi: For a tropical twist, you can add coconut milk or coconut cream to your Mango Lassi. This will impart a delightful coconut flavor that pairs nicely with the mango.
7. Almond Mango Lassi: Add a touch of almond flavor by blending in a teaspoon of almond extract or a handful of soaked and peeled almonds. This variation adds a nutty undertone to the lassi.
8. Pomegranate Mango Lassi: Add a burst of color and tartness by blending in pomegranate juice or seeds along with the mango. This creates a Pomegranate Mango Lassi with a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

How to store homemade mango lassi and how long does it last

Storage:

1. Transfer to an Airtight Container: If you have leftover Mango Lassi, pour it into an airtight container like a mason jar. 
2. Cover: Seal the container with a tight lid to prevent air from entering, which can cause the lassi to oxidize and lose its freshness.
3. Refrigerate: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator. The colder temperature will help preserve the lassi and slow down bacterial growth.

Shelf Life:

Homemade Mango Lassi typically has a shelf life of approximately 1 to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Other mango recipes:

MANGO SMOOTHIE – A QUICK RECIPE