I had never tried making a lassi at home before, and I’m so glad I did, it’s really easy and quick to make too. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what it is… Lassi is a popular traditional yogurt-based drink mostly consumed in the Indian subcontinent. It is usually a mix of yogurt, water and spices. It can be made savoury, by adding salt, spices and/or herbs e.g. salted mint lassi; or sweet, by using sugar/syrup and fruits.

They are usually enjoyed cold, offering relief in hot weather or during a hot spicy meal, and can be drunk alone but most commonly with lunch. Adding turmeric powder is sometimes used as a folk remedy for gastroenteritis, because of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties.

The use of yogurt or milk in drinks and sauces stretches out throughout most if not all continents. From lassi in India to ayurvedic mattha in Bangladesh, doogh in the Middle East, tzatziki in Greece or Turkey,  mursik in Kenya, amasi in South Africa, kefir in the Caucasus Mountains, filmjölk in Sweden or milkshakes in the USA and later Europe.

The idea for this delicious smoothie came from The Green Kitchen Stories. I tweaked it slightly and modified it to my taste. I used more ginger, added bee pollen and a bit of milk so it was less thick. You could add mango or any other fruit to it, perhaps stronger spices such as cumin or pepper if you’re into that or some oats if you want to get more energy from this drink.

Typically lassi is not blended, but whisked. However, if you are adding a banana or making a mint lassi then you probably need a blender. You want your drink to be silky smooth, not chunky and uncomfortable to sip. I had mine for breakfast, but you can have it in a traditional way, with your lunch, or as an afternoon drink too. I made it with plant-based yogurt and milk but it’s regular dairy products are used in the traditional version, so feel free to go with your own preferences.

If you do make it, please let me know in the comment section below.

I hope you enjoy!

Silvia

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Recipe: Sunshine lassi

Total time: 5 mins

Notes: the quantities are for 1 individual serving

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp yoghurt, I used soy
• 1-2 tbsp chopped ginger
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 1 tsp bee pollen
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup, I melt it 10 secs in the microwave before blending
• 1/4 lemon, juice
• 1/2 cup milk, I used unsweetened almond

Add mango for more flavour and extra creaminess.

Add ice if you want your lassi to be fresher and more chilled.

Add oats if you want more energy from your lassi.

Instructions

1. 1. 1. Mix all ingredients and blend.