Summer is the perfect time to relish cool drinks. One of the most cooling and satisfying drinks is Lassi. North India especially Punjab is famous for buttermilk and lassi. Almost every Punjabi household in the villages will have their own cows and every morning enjoy the fresh dairy produce, namely, freshly churned butter, buttermilk, curds and the ever popular sweet or salty lassi.
The typical traditional lassi is usually served with a huge dollop of clotted cream (balai) in tall brass glasses or clay tumblers. Now you too can make your lassi unique and special with seasonal pulpy fruits and aromatic spices. During the peak of summer when fresh, ripe and sweet mangoes which is the king of fruits are in abundance; you can truly enjoy mango lassi. Lassi is always welcome unless you suffer from dairy intolerance.
In the scorching heat of summer when the temperatures are soaring and when you do not have a ravishing appetite it is the natural dairy products which come to the rescue. Lassi is a soul satisfying cool drink which cools the body, rejuvenates the lost appetite and aids digestion. You can enjoy lassi throughout the year but it is mostly loved and enjoyed during summer.
Here is my family favorite… sweet lassi with aromatic spices. Homemade lassi is always delicious because one does not compromise on any ingredient and is always hygienically prepared. It is a good idea to fill and chill individual tumblers so that you can reach out for it whenever you feel like having a chilled refreshing drink which is nutritious and healthy. Sweet Flavored Lassi… creamy and lip smacking in minutes! 😀
Ingredients :
- 500 gms. chilled, thick & creamy Curd/Yoghurt (must not be sour)
- ½ cup cold Milk or Water (I prefer milk)
- 5 tbsps. Sugar or to taste
- ½ tsp. fresh Green Cardamom pwd.
- ¼ tsp. fresh Nutmeg pwd. (optional)
- A few strands of Saffron (optional)
- 3 tbsps. A mix of Almonds & Pistachios; slivered or chopped (optional)
- A small bowl – Clotted Cream (Balai)
- 2 to 3 cubes of Ice per glass
Procedure:
Combine thick chilled curds/yoghurt with sugar in a blender.
Give it a quick blitz for a few seconds to smoothen the curds.
Add milk or water and again whip briefly.
Pour out in a jug. Add the sweet spices (cardamom, nutmeg).
Stir well and chill until serving time.
To serve:
Pour into tall chilled glasses with a tablespoon of thick clotted cream (Balai), 2-3 ice cubes.
Garnish with nuts, a pinch of sweet spices and a few strands of saffron.
Serve the Sweet Flavored Lassi immediately.
