Restaurant-Style Mango Lassi (Quick and Easy)

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Have you tried mango lassi? This creamy and refreshing yogurt-based drink is a staple in most Indian restaurants. This authentic recipe reveals the secrets to the best mango lassi, ensuring you can enjoy this beloved yogurt drink right at home.

It is perfect for soothing your palate after a spicy meal or as a perfect cool-down for those hot summer days.

What is lassi?

Lassi is a traditional Indian beverage renowned for its delightful blend of flavors and cooling effect, especially during the hot months. At its core, lassi is a yogurt-based drink that can be either sweet or savory.

• Salty lassi: Less known outside of India, this savory version includes salt, spices like roasted cumin powder, grated ginger, and sometimes finely chopped coriander or mint for freshness. It’s incredibly refreshing and is often consumed as a digestive aid or just to beat the heat.
• Sweet lassi: This is the more globally known version, often flavored with sugar, fruits (like mango, creating the famous, creamy mango lassi), and sometimes a hint of cardamom or saffron. It is creamy and rich and works as a fantastic dessert or a refreshing drink.

In India, lassis are served in everything from high-end restaurants to street-side stalls, each offering its unique take on this classic beverage. It’s a simple yet wonderfully versatile drink that beautifully represents the rich culinary diversity of India.

How to make lassi?

Traditionally, plain lassi was made in a simple yet fascinating way. It starts with churning yogurt using a wooden whisk or a traditional Indian churner called a ‘mathani.’ This process not only smoothens the yogurt but also introduces a bit of air, making the lassi lighter.

Then, water and spices like roasted cumin powder and salt (for the savory version) or sugar (for the sweet version) are added. In some regions, people also add a bit of milk to enrich the flavor and texture.

The real magic happens when the mixture is vigorously hand-churned, blending all the ingredients into a frothy, creamy consistency. This method not only infuses air but also ensures that the flavors are well combined.

As times have changed, so has the method of making lassi. The advent of modern kitchen technology has seen the traditional ‘mathani’ give way to electric blenders, which expedite the process while maintaining a smooth consistency.

This evolution is evident in the creation of mango lassi, where ripe mangoes are pureed and added to the mix, creating a sweet, fruity variation perfect for hot summer days. The blend of tangy yogurt and sweet mango offers a delightful contrast, making it a favorite across India and beyond.

Lassi vs Smoothie

Have you ever wondered how a lassi stands apart from a smoothie? There are a few notable differences. Firstly, lassi can be prepared without fruit, unlike most smoothies. Additionally, while yogurt may or may not be a component in smoothies, it’s a basic ingredient in every lassi.

Essentially, mango lassi is akin to an Indian mango smoothie.

How to make authentic mango lassi

Growing up in India, mangoes, especially the Alphonso variety, disappeared almost instantly in our home. That’s why we didn’t make mango lassi often. 

However, things changed when I moved to the US. Here, mangoes are available throughout the year. And if you’re not up for making it at home, there’s always an Indian restaurant nearby to serve you some.

But as a grad student, splurging $4+ regularly for this delightful drink wasn’t exactly feasible 😥. That’s what inspired me to master the art of making mango lassi at home.

Can you make mango lassi without yogurt?

Yes, to make a delicious mango lassi without traditional yogurt, you must use some form of yogurt, whether plant-based, like coconut or almond milk yogurt, to maintain the authentic lassi texture and taste. If you replace yogurt with just milk, it becomes more of a mango milkshake rather than a lassi.

Instructions to make mango lassi

1. Begin by gathering 2 cups of roughly chopped ripe mangoes, or alternatively, use 1.5 cups of store-bought canned mango pulp. Ensure the mangoes are well-ripened for the best flavor.
2. Add 1 cup of yogurt and 1 cup of milk to your blender. The yogurt will act as the creamy base for your lassi, while the milk will help you achieve the desired consistency.
3. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of sugar, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
4. For an enhanced flavor, consider adding ¼ teaspoon of cardamom seeds (or powder) and 7-8 strands of saffron, though these are optional.
5. If you prefer a chilled drink, add 6-8 ice cubes.
6. Secure the lid of your blender and blend all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
7. Serve the mango lassi immediately for best results.

Variations

• Rose water – For a floral twist, add a teaspoon of rose water to your mango lassi.
• Vegan mango lassi recipe– To make your lassi vegan-friendly, replace regular yogurt and milk with their plant-based counterparts, like almond or coconut yogurt and milk. This swap ensures a vegan delight without compromising on the creamy texture.
• Greek yogurt mango lassi – For a thicker, richer lassi, use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Given Greek yogurt’s thicker consistency, you may need to adjust the texture with a bit more milk or water.

Expert tips

• Mango choice: Always opt for ripe, sweet mangoes to minimize the need for added sugar and for the best taste. Alphonso mangoes are ideal for their rich flavor, but Ataulfo, Kent, or Keitt are also great choices.
• Straining homemade puree: If your mango puree is fibrous, strain it to ensure a smooth texture in your lassi.
• Adjusting homemade pulp: Homemade mango pulp is usually thicker than store-bought versions. Dilute it with water or milk to get the right consistency. Milk is preferred as it balances the yogurt’s tartness.
• Using Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used for a creamier texture. Just remember to dilute it with water or milk to adjust the consistency.
• Storebought mango pulp: If you prefer buying mango pulp, try sourcing it from local Indian grocery stores for authenticity. Online options like sweetened Swad Kesar mango pulp or organic unsweetened mango pulp are also available on Amazon.
• Sugar adjustment: Store-bought mango pulp may contain added sugar. Adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe accordingly.
• Flavor enhancers: Although optional, adding cardamom seeds and saffron strands is highly recommended. They impart an aromatic essence and elevate the lassi’s flavor profile.

Prep ahead tips

1. Mango preparation: If using fresh mangoes, peel and chop them in advance. Store the chopped mangoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
2. Mango puree: Prepare mango puree and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. This saves time when you’re ready to make the lassi.

Storage tips for mango lassi:

1. Refrigeration: Store mango lassi in the refrigerator immediately after making it. For optimal freshness and taste, it’s best consumed within 24 hours.
2. Airtight containers: Store the lassi in airtight containers or bottles. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator.
3. Mango popsicles: Simply pour leftover mango lassi into popsicle molds and freeze. Enjoy these refreshing treats later!
4. Stir before serving: If the lassi has been stored for a few hours, it might separate slightly. Give it a good stir or a quick blend before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

More delicious mango recipes for you

If you are a mango lover like me, here are other mango recipes for you to try out – 

1. This creamy and delicious Mango banana smoothie takes less than 10 minutes to make! While this recipe uses dairy, you can easily make a plant-based version by using coconut milk. It tastes great with frozen mangoes, too! 
2. Mango raita – If you love mangoes, then this mango raita recipe has your name written all over it. Enjoy it as a dessert or as a side dish, along with a spicy Indian meal.
3. Mango ice cream – If you love Mango lassi, then this mango ice cream recipe is just what you need to satisfy your mango cravings. Learn how to make this creamy tropical dessert in under 20 minutes and without an ice cream maker.
4. Mango overnight oats will make you want to wake up early just to have breakfast. Loaded with oats, chia seeds, and sweet, juicy mango bits, this creamy overnight oats recipe is perfect for busy mornings. 

This post was first published on January 2nd, 2016, and was updated with text and pictures on July 30th, 2020, and Jan 27th, 2024.