Beat the heat with a homemade mango lassi! Our guide teaches you how to make mango lassi, a refreshing and healthy drink, made with fresh mangoes, curd(yogurt), and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for summer days or a tasty treat any time.
The summer heat can be intense, leaving you craving something cool and absolutely delicious. Luckily, there’s a vibrant and creamy Indian drink that perfectly fits the bill: Mango Lassi! This isn’t just a beverage; it’s a refreshing escape in a glass. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps on how to make mango lassi at home, highlighting why it’s so beloved and offering tips for customization. Get ready to blend your way to a taste of summer!
There’s something undeniably delightful about the sweet, tropical flavor of ripe mangoes, especially when the sun is shining. And what better way to enjoy this king of fruits than in the form of a pleasantly rich, creamy and refreshing Mango Lassi? This iconic Indian drink is surprisingly easy to make at home. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for a perfect homemade mango lassi, covering everything from the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions and even some fun variations to try. Let’s get started on how to make mango lassi!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mango Lassi
Making your own mango lassi at home comes with a fantastic range of benefits:
- Control over ingredients: You get to choose the freshest and highest quality mangoes and curd(yogurt).
- Customization: Adjust the sweetness and thickness to perfectly match your taste preferences.
- Cost-effective: It’s often much cheaper than buying pre-made versions or ordering from restaurants.
- Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can just prepare it in minutes.
- Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a refreshing snack, or even as a light dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Know How to Make Mango Lassi
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to learn how to make mango lassi:
- Ripe Mangoes: 2 medium-sized, peeled and chopped (Alphonso or Kesar varieties are excellent for their sweetness and flavor).
- Plain curd(Yogurt): 1 cup (full-fat for extra creaminess, low-fat also work, adjusting the final texture).
- Milk: ½ cup (whole milk for richness, skim or plant-based options like almond or coconut milk are also suitable).
- Sweetener: 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to your mangoes’ sweetness and and also according to your taste buds ).
- Optional Flavorings:
- A pinch of cardamom powder for warmth and aroma.
- A few saffron strands soaked in a teaspoon of warm milk (for color and enhanced flavor).
- A small piece of ginger (finely grated) for a zest of spice.
- A few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- A few drops of rosewater for a floral aroma.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds) for texture.
- A few saffron strands.
- Fresh mint leaves.
- A drizzle of honey or syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Mango Lassi
Follow these simple steps to learn how to make mango lassi:
1. Preparation:
- Carefully peel the mangoes and chop it into chunks.
- Pour the curd(yogurt) and milk into the blender.
- If using saffron, soak a few strands in a teaspoon of warm milk to release its color and flavor.
2. Blending:
- Add the chopped mangoes, curd(yogurt), milk, and your chosen sweetener to the blender.
- If desired, add any of the optional flavorings like cardamom powder, soaked saffron, ginger, or mint leaves at this stage.
- Blend everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps of mango remaining.
- Tip for Consistency: If you prefer a thinner lassi, gradually add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker lassi, use less milk or add a few ice cubes and blend it until smooth.
3. Serving:
- Pour the prepared mango lassi into serving glasses.
- Garnish as desired with chopped nuts, saffron strands, fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of honey or syrup.
- Serve immediately and chilled for the most refreshing experience.
For more such delicious and easy recipes, click here.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Lassi
Mastering how to make mango lassi involves a few helpful tips and exploring variations:
- Choosing the Right Mangoes: Choose ripe and sweet mangoes for the best flavor. Different varieties will give slightly different tastes, so experiment to find your favorite.
- Curd(Yogurt) Consistency: Full-fat curd(yogurt) will result in a richer and creamier lassi.
- Sweetness Level: Taste the lassi after blending and adjust the sweetener according to the sweetness of your mangoes and according to your taste buds.
- Thickness Adjustment: As mentioned earlier, adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired thickness. You can also add a few ice cubes while blending for an extra chilled and slightly thicker lassi.
- Flavor Variations:
- Other Fruits: Try adding a bit of banana for extra creaminess or a few berries for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon along with the cardamom.
- Floral twist: A few drops of rosewater can add a unique and fragrant touch.
- Vegan Mango Lassi: Use plant-based curd(yogurt) like coconut or almond curd(yogurt) and plant-based milk alternatives for a delicious vegan version.
- Make Ahead Tips: You can prepare mango lassi and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If stored, stir well before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Mango lassi is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed at various times:
- Breakfast: A quick and refreshing way to start your day.
- Snack: A healthy and satisfying mid-day treat.
- Dessert: A light and fruity alternative to heavier desserts.
- With Meals: It pairs particularly well with spicy Indian dishes, helping to cool down the palate.
- Creative Servings: Get creative by using it as a base for smoothie bowls or freezing it into lassi pops for a frozen treat.
For a recipe video of this mango lassi, click here.
Benefits Of Mango Lassi
Mango lassi is a delicious and refreshing drink that offers several health benefits, primarily due to its two main ingredients: mangoes and curd(yogurt). Here’s a breakdown of the advantages:
From Mangoes:
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Mangoes are packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin C (boosts immunity, aids iron absorption, and promotes cell growth), Vitamin A (important for vision, skin health, and immune function), Vitamin E, Vitamin K, several B vitamins, copper, and potassium.
- High in Antioxidants: Mangoes contain various antioxidants, including beta-carotene, mangiferin, and quercetin. These compounds help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Good Source of Fiber: Mangoes provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially assisting with weight management.
- May Support Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in mangoes can contribute to lower cholesterol levels, regulated blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health.
- May Improve Skin and Hair Health: The vitamins A, C, and E in mangoes are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and hair.
From curd(Yogurt):
- Excellent Source of Probiotics: curd(Yogurt) contains live and active cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics can aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and boost the immune system. The lactobacilli in curd(Yogurt) are particularly helpful for lubricating the intestines.
- Rich in Calcium: curd(Yogurt) is a significant source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Good Source of Protein: curd(Yogurt) contributes to your daily protein intake, which is important for building and repairing tissues, as well as promoting satiety.
- Source of Vitamin D: Some curd(Yogurt) are fortified with Vitamin D, which works with calcium to support bone health and also plays a role in immune function.
- Lactose (potentially) Easier to Digest: The culturing process in curd(Yogurt) breaks down some of the lactose, making it potentially easier for individuals with mild lactose intolerance to digest compared to plain milk.
Combined Benefits of Mango Lassi:
- Aids Digestion: The probiotics from curd(Yogurt) combined with the fiber from mangoes create a drink that is excellent for promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
- Boosts Immunity: The Vitamin C and other antioxidants in mangoes, along with the probiotics and potentially Vitamin D in curd(Yogurt), can help strengthen your immune system.
- Good for Bone Health: The calcium from curd(Yogurt) contributes to strong and healthy bones.
- Hydrating: Lassi is a liquid-based drink that helps keep you hydrated, especially beneficial during hot summer months.
- Provides Energy: The natural sugars in mangoes and the nutrients in curd(Yogurt) can provide a sustained source of energy.
- Can be a Healthy Snack or Meal Component: Depending on the ingredients and portion size, mango lassi can be a nutritious snack or a part of a balanced breakfast or light meal.
Mango lassi is a delicious and nutritious beverage that offers a range of health benefits thanks to the powerful combination of mangoes and curd(Yogurt). Enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle!
Learning how to make mango lassi at home is a simple yet incredibly rewarding experience. This creamy and refreshing Indian summer drink is a delightful way to enjoy the sweet taste of mangoes and beat the heat. With this easy guide, you can now prepare a perfect batch whenever you crave for it. So go ahead, blend your way to a taste of summer and enjoy the magic of homemade mango lassi!
Have you tried making mango lassi at home? What are your favorite variations? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who might also want to learn how to make mango lassi. For more delicious and easy recipes, subscribe to our blog!
