In your mind, a lassi might be reserved for certain occasions, maybe when you want to cool down on those summer days, but when you hear of the benefits a glass of lassi can provide, you may rethink about this entirely.
You also could be short of a recipe that contains fruit, and you want to incorporate it in a way that is exciting and gives you the impetus to try even more.
But what recipe do you go for amidst the sea of different lassi varieties while also giving you a healthier and vegan option?
Not to worry, as we have a nice mango coconut blend that is bound to hit the spot and can be made in less than ten minutes with the right ingredients.
Read on to shake up your blended drink recipes for the better.
What You’ll Need To Make Mango Coconut Lassi
- 2 cups, or 2 medium chopped mangoes
- ½ a cup of coconut milk
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon of agave or honey, whichever you prefer
- ¼ teaspoon of cardamom powder, an optional natural flavoring
Instructions
Step 1
Simply place your mangoes, coconut milk, cardamom powder (if used), and ice cubes into a blender, and use until you get a smooth consistency.
Then you can pour some into a glass and taste, adding agave or honey to the liquid in the blender, then blend again to combine the flavor.
Step 2
Now you can pour your smoothie into a tall serving glass and use a straw if you find it’s too cold, and you can add some cut mangoes or use more cardamom powder as a garnish, and once you like the taste, you’re free to enjoy it.
Want To Mix It Up A Bit?
If you have specific food intolerances or have a vegetarian or vegan diet, this doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself with what you can use with your recipe, and it gives you an opportunity to get creative.
The first thing you can do to make your lassi drink with a vegan and dairy-free variety of yogurt instead of the coconut milk if you want some added texture to your drink, and it is likely going to make it more fulfilling if you need something to help you out during a long day.
You also don’t have to use ice in your recipe, but you can add a little water and then chill your blended drink for a few hours if you’re able, which can make it taste more refreshing.
In some variations, you could add cinnamon or ginger to your drink if you’re looking to make it as it is in Indian cuisine, as delicacy has a bit of a flavor kick, but of course, it’s up to you, so you could make it sweet, savory, salty, or spicy as you desire.
Whatever kind of fruit you use, if you want fresh or canned, ensure that you consume it as soon as you can, as you don’t want to fruit to turn your drink a little sour, which isn’t how you want to prepare for your day or even after a meal.
Some Types Of Lassi You Can Make
We thought we’d provide you with a bit more inspiration for different blends you could use, but be aware that some of these flavors might require you to look for alternatives to suit certain intolerances or dietary requirements.
Below are a few and what ingredients they are made up of, so you can try them out yourself.
- Masala lassi- This refreshing blend uses mint and coriander leaves, roasted cumin powder, yogurt, chaat masala, regular and black salt, and water for an exciting flavor.
- Kesar lassi- This drink uses yogurt, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and hot water, for a twist that doesn’t use fruit, so you might find it stays fresher for slightly longer.
- Ginger and pineapple lassi- Here’s an interesting one that uses yogurt, milk, fresh or frozen pineapple chunks, ginger, honey, cardamom, fresh mint, and some ice cubes for some zing for your tastebuds.
- Strawberry lassi- Another take on this classic recipe, this one uses fresh strawberries, sugar, ground cardamom, salt, plain yogurt, and some crushed ice for a nice pick-me-up.
Health Benefits Of Lassi
You can find a good mix of nutrients and minerals in your lassi depending on what ingredients you use, which helps you to keep a healthy electrolyte balance in your body, and low-fat options can help you get your daily intake of certain food groups.
One glass of lassi can have around 50-80 calories, and the mix can keep you fuller for longer, so you won’t be craving any other snacks or foods during the day.
Not only can it help fight infections, but it can help prevent acne, moisturizes your skin, and can help reduce blemishes, and the lactic acid and vitamin D has a nice anti-aging effect on your skin, if ever you need an excuse to try a glass.
It can also give you a happy gut, as the yogurt you use contains probiotics that give you good bacteria and can help lubricate your intestines, making it easier for you to digest food and absorb essential nutrients.
It can also help you digest heavier meals, as it can help form a protective layer around your digestive system and makes those digestive juices perform better.
The Bottom Line
The benefits above are on the basis that you consume moderate amounts of lassi, and excessive use of sugar may be a detriment as this can add to the caloric content of your drink, but you can enjoy any version as a treat or even as a way of balancing out your diet.
Thank you for reading.
Since my sister introduced me to vegan cooking four years ago, I have discovered so many delicious alternatives to the traditional meaty meals I used to eat.
Today I enjoy trying and making my own vegan-friendly alternatives. If my sister can do it, then so can I (and you can, too). It is easier than you may think, promise!
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