What is the one thing that you love most about the summer season? It can be nothing but mango. Often regarded as the ‘king of fruits’ mangoes are the beloved tropical fruits that can be eaten on their own or made into a variety of dishes. Another thing that must remind you of summer is lassi. This cool, rich, and creamy beverage has impressed several people over time. What if mangoes and lassi are intertwined together and made into a lovable and delicious beverage, that is, mango lassi?
Just the name of it must have salivated you already. Mango lassi is a twist to the traditional lassi which incorporates ripe mangoes into it. The mangoes here are blended with yoghurt, sugar, and milk and made into a luscious beverage that is widely enjoyed in different parts of the country, especially during summer. Often, people opt for mango lassi from the street-side lassi stalls, however, nothing can be better if mango lassi is made at home.
Making mango lassi can be a bit tricky but by following proper tips and tricks, you can easily make it at home.
Take a look at the steps:
- Choose Ripe And Flavorful Mangoes
Your mango lassi can taste exceptionally good if you choose ripe and favourful mangoes for the beverage. Choose varieties like Alphonso or Dasheri which are known for their sweetness and aromatic flesh. Look for mangoes that can stand slightly to gentle pressure and exude a rich scent at the stem end. Do not use fibrous or overly tart mangoes as they can spoil the lassi’s smooth texture and sweetness.
- Balance Sweetness And Tartness
A perfect mango lassi will have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. You can start making the beverage by blending the ripe mango chunks with yoghurt and a splash of milk or water. Taste the mixture adjust the sweetness and add sugar or honey if required. Note that the sweetness of the mangoes can vary so it is advisable to start with a limited amount of sweetener and add as and when required.
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt For Creaminess:
To achieve a creamy mango lassi, use full-fat yoghurt rather than low-fat or non-fat ones. The higher the fat, the richer and creamier will be the lassi, imparting depth of flavour. The full-fat yoghurt will give the lassi a smooth, velvety texture. However, if you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yoghurt.
- Add Flavourful Enhancements
Elevate the flavour profile of your mango lassi by including aromatic spices and flavour enhancers. You can add a pinch of cardamom that will lend a subtle floral touch complementing the sweetness of the mangoes. For added flavours, you can experiment with rose water or a sprinkle of saffron threads. Just be careful not to overpower the flavours of the mangoes.
- Blend Until Smooth And Frothy
The signature creamy texture of the mango lassi can be achieved by blending the ingredients until smooth and frothy. For this, you can use a high-speed blender, ensuring that the mango chunks are completely pureed and mixed with yoghurt and other ingredients. Blend for 1-2 minutes at high speed or until the lassi is silky smooth and frothy. You can also add ice cubes to the blender for a chilled and refreshing one.
- Chill Before Serving
To enjoy the mango lassi at its best, chill the beverage for at least 30 minutes before serving. This also allows the flavours to meld together and the lassi to thicken slightly. The result is more refreshing and satisfying. Serve the chilled mango lassi in a tall glass and garnish with small chunks of ripe mangoes on top and a sprig of fresh mint leaves or ground pistachios.