Mango Lassi is the ultimate creamy, cool, and utterly refreshing drink that bridges the gap between traditional Indian flavors and modern-day smoothie bliss. As soon as you blend the juicy ripeness of mangoes with tangy yogurt, a hint of cardamom, and just the right touch of sweetness, each sip feels like a mini tropical vacation. Whether you’re seeking something to beat the summer heat or simply craving a naturally sweet treat, Mango Lassi proves time and again why it’s a beloved classic across the world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Ripe Mangoes:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (or 1 1/2 cups canned mango pulp)
Yogurt Mixture:
- 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Optional:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint or a pinch of cardamom for garnish
How to Make Mango Lassi
Step 1: Prepare the Mango
If using fresh mangoes, start by peeling and dicing them, ensuring all the juicy flesh is separated from the pit. If you’re using canned mango pulp, open and measure out the amount needed. The quality of mango really sets the tone, so pick the ripest fruit you can find.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add the diced mango (or mango pulp), yogurt, cold milk, honey or sugar, and ground cardamom to your blender. Blend this vibrant mixture until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. The longer you blend, the silkier your Mango Lassi will be!
Step 3: Adjust and Add Ice
Give your lassi a taste and adjust the sweetness if needed—you can easily add a touch more honey or sugar here. For a frostier treat, toss in a few ice cubes and blend again just until crushed. This extra chill transforms Mango Lassi into the most refreshing summer sipper.
Step 4: Pour and Garnish
Pour the creamy Mango Lassi into glasses, then crown each with a fresh sprig of mint or a light sprinkle of cardamom. Little details like these make every glass look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Mango Lassi
Garnishes
No Mango Lassi is complete without a garnish—it’s both eye candy and a burst of aroma. Fresh mint leaves add a cool lift, while a sprinkle of cardamom promises extra intrigue right as you take your first sip. For a festive touch, you can even add a few cubes of diced mango on top.
Side Dishes
Mango Lassi thrives alongside your favorite Indian snacks. Think crunchy samosas, onion bhajis, or masala papad. Its cool, creamy profile is also perfect for soothing spicy main courses—nothing tames heat quite like this classic lassi.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Mango Lassi in mason jars with colorful paper straws for a laid-back brunch, or in pretty stemmed glasses topped with edible flowers for a dinner party. You can also freeze it into popsicles for a fancy summer dessert that’s completely unexpected yet reminiscent of childhood favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mango Lassi keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as the ingredients can naturally separate a bit over time. It will always taste best fresh, but refrigeration is perfect for make-ahead moments.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra Mango Lassi, pour it into popsicle molds or ice cube trays to make quick, grab-and-go frozen treats. Freezing in a jar is not recommended as the texture may change, but lassi cubes are phenomenal in smoothies later on.
Reheating
You won’t need to reheat Mango Lassi, as it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or chilled. If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a good shake or stir, and let it sit on the counter for a few minutes if you prefer it slightly less icy.
FAQs
Can I make Mango Lassi vegan?
Absolutely! You can swap the dairy yogurt and milk for coconut or almond yogurt and milk. The flavor will be a bit different, with an extra hint of whatever plant-based options you choose, but it’ll be just as delicious and creamy.
Is Mango Lassi healthy?
Mango Lassi delivers a great balance of vitamins, probiotics, and natural sweetness. As with most treats, moderation is key—swap in lower-fat yogurt or less sweetener if you wish to lighten it up, but enjoy guilt-free overall!
What if I can’t find fresh mangoes?
No worries at all—canned mango pulp, especially of the Alphonso variety, is widely available and delivers bold mango flavor even when mangoes are out of season.
Can I prepare Mango Lassi in advance for parties?
Yes! You can make a big batch of Mango Lassi and store it in the refrigerator; just be sure to stir well just before serving. Serve in chilled glasses for the best experience.
How do I make Mango Lassi thicker?
If you like your lassi on the thicker side, simply reduce the amount of milk or add extra yogurt. You can also blend in a few more pieces of mango for extra body.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a glass of freshly made Mango Lassi to brighten your day. Its tropical charm, creamy texture, and gentle sweetness are always a hit, whether as a quick pick-me-up or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Give it a try and see how easily a simple blend of ingredients can become your new favorite treat!
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Mango Lassi Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Cool off with a refreshing and creamy Mango Lassi, a classic Indian yogurt-based drink flavored with ripe mangoes and aromatic cardamom. This easy recipe is perfect for a hot summer day or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Ripe Mangoes:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (or 1 1/2 cups canned mango pulp)
Yogurt Mixture:
- 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Optional:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint or a pinch of cardamom for garnish
Instructions
- Blend Mango Mixture: In a blender, combine the mango, yogurt, milk, honey or sugar, and ground cardamom. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add Ice Cubes: Add a few ice cubes if desired and blend again briefly.
- Sweeten and Serve: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Pour into glasses and garnish with mint leaves or a pinch of cardamom. Serve immediately, chilled.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt and milk.
- Use canned mango pulp for convenience or when fresh mangoes aren’t in season.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
