If you have a craving for something cool, refreshing, and packed with tropical sunshine, then you absolutely must try this Mango Lassi Recipe. This classic Indian drink perfectly balances the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe mangoes with creamy yogurt and a hint of fragrant cardamom, creating a smooth and satisfying treat. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or looking to elevate your brunch game, this Mango Lassi Recipe delivers vibrant taste and creamy texture in every sip, making it a personal favorite that I’m thrilled to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Mango Lassi Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in crafting that iconic rich flavor and silky smoothness. The fresh mangoes bring vibrant fruitiness, yogurt adds creaminess, while cardamom infuses an irresistible aroma.
- Frozen mango chunks: These add a cool chill and fruity thickness to the drink.
- Fresh ripe mangoes: Using ripe mangoes ensures maximum natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Plain whole milk yogurt: Adds creaminess and tangy depth to balance the sweetness.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the lassi to your liking; adjust as needed.
- Ground cardamom: A pinch of this warm spice brings a fragrant, exotic twist.
How to Make Mango Lassi Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Mangoes
Begin by slicing the fresh mangoes vertically, just off-center to avoid the large flat pit inside. This neat slicing method makes it much easier to access the juicy pulp while keeping your kitchen mess-free.
Step 2: Cube the Mango Flesh
After cutting the mango halves, make several horizontal and vertical slices across the pulp without cutting through the skin. Push from the back side to invert the mango, then carefully slice off the cubes. These bright, tender cubes deliver that fresh mango punch to your lassi.
Step 3: Blend Fresh Mango Cubes Until Smooth
Transfer the cubed mango flesh to your blender and pulse it until you achieve a completely smooth puree. This creates the silky mango base for your lassi.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients and Blend
Now toss in the frozen mango chunks, creamy yogurt, milk, and aromatic ground cardamom. Blend everything together at high speed until you get a luscious, even texture that’s perfectly chilled and thick.
Step 5: Sweeten to Taste
Give your lassi a quick taste test, then gradually stir in sugar to reach your preferred level of sweetness. The balance here is key—just enough sugar to complement the mango without overpowering it.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Pour the lassi into tall glasses and, if you like, sprinkle some diced fresh mango on top for a beautiful and inviting garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy that fresh, creamy goodness at its peak.
How to Serve Mango Lassi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes isn’t just about looks; it’s also about enhancing texture and flavor layers. For this Mango Lassi Recipe, diced mango pieces and a light dusting of ground cardamom create a lively contrast against the smooth drink. You can also sprinkle in some crushed pistachios for crunch or a few fresh mint leaves for a cooling touch.
Side Dishes
This Mango Lassi pairs beautifully with spicy Indian dishes like samosas, tandoori chicken, or even biryani. The creamy sweetness of the lassi helps mellow out the heat and spices, making your meal extra enjoyable and balanced. It’s also fantastic alongside light snacks or simply savored as a standalone refreshing treat.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests or simply enjoy a little extra charm at home, serve your Mango Lassi Recipe in frosted glasses or mason jars, topped with edible flowers or a cinnamon stick. Layering the lassi with a mango puree swirl before blending can create a gorgeous marbled effect. Using colorful straws adds playful fun, especially for parties or brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Mango Lassi (though it rarely lasts!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 24 hours, although the texture might thicken slightly due to the yogurt. Give it a good stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing your Mango Lassi Recipe isn’t ideal because the texture can separate and become icy when thawed. If you want a frozen treat, consider making mango popsicles by pouring the lassi into molds and freezing overnight instead.
Reheating
This recipe is best served chilled and not heated. If you want to bring it back to room temperature after refrigeration, simply let it sit on the counter for a short time and stir well before enjoying. Heating will spoil the fresh, creamy character that makes this drink so special.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango instead of fresh mangoes?
While fresh mangoes give the best flavor and texture, canned mango can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to drain any excess syrup to avoid overly sweet lassis.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt will make the Mango Lassi Recipe even creamier, but you might want to thin it out with a little extra milk for the right consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just swap out the yogurt and milk for coconut yogurt and almond or oat milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and refreshing.
How ripe should the mangoes be?
The riper, the better! Ripe mangoes are sweeter and softer, which ensures a luscious, naturally sweet Mango Lassi Recipe without needing too much added sugar.
What can I use instead of cardamom?
If you don’t have cardamom, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice note, but cardamom is definitely the best match for authentic flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Mango Lassi Recipe is like bottling a little tropical sunshine in a glass. It’s easy, quick, and irresistibly creamy with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. I hope you’ll find as much joy in making and sipping this delightful drink as I do. So go ahead, blend up a batch and treat yourself to this refreshing taste of India anytime you want to brighten your day.
Print
Mango Lassi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mango Lassi is a refreshing and creamy Indian yogurt-based drink made with ripe and frozen mangoes, yogurt, milk, and a hint of aromatic cardamom. Perfect for hot days or as a sweet accompaniment to spicy meals, this tropical smoothie is naturally sweetened and delightfully smooth.
Ingredients
Fresh Mangoes
- 3 fresh ripe mangoes
Frozen Fruits
- 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen mango chunks
Dairy
- 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
Spices & Sweeteners
- 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Prepare Fresh Mangoes: Slice the fresh mangoes vertically, just to the side of the center to avoid the large flat pit. Make several slices across the pulp side creating cubes, then push from the skin side to invert the mango, making it easier to cut out the cubes with a knife.
- Blend Fresh Mango Pulp: Add the cut mango cubes to a blender and blend until smooth to create a fresh mango puree base.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the blender, add the frozen mango chunks, plain whole milk yogurt, milk, and ground cardamom.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend all ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and smooth without any lumps.
- Sweeten to Taste: Taste the mango lassi and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar gradually until the desired sweetness is reached. Blend again briefly to combine.
- Serve: Pour the mango lassi into serving glasses immediately and garnish with diced fresh mango pieces on top for an extra burst of freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust the sugar depending on the mango sweetness and personal preference.
- Whole milk yogurt creates a creamier texture, but low-fat yogurt can be used for a lighter version.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute yogurt and milk with coconut yogurt and almond milk respectively.
- Serve chilled for maximum refreshment.
