Mango Lassi

Why do you need to try it?

• It's extra delicious. Exotic, extra smooth, and very refreshing.
• It's packed with essential nutrients, especially proteins and probiotics, good for digestion and immunity.
• It's quite filling and nutritious, a great drink for weight loss.
• It packs healthy Omega-3s.
• It's made with a few simple ingredients and without added sugars.
• This mango lassi is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
• It's super easy to whip up, plus kids love it!

Mango Lassi ingredients

Traditional mango lassi is made with fresh yogurt or curd, sweet mangoes, sugar, water, and a touch of cardamom. For a bit of rich and creamy taste, cream is usually added. I transformed this classic recipe into a healthier version. I used simple but wholesome ingredients:

How to make Mango Lassi

Making this delicious mango lassi is quite easy. It will take you 5 minutes, and all you need is a good blender.

• Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. I like to use measuring cups.
• Take the blender and add all ingredients. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending.
• Mix everything at high speed until you get a smooth, silky texture.
• If the mango lassi is too thick, add more liquid – milk or water (I recommend adding water to dilute lassi). Blend again until everything is well combined.
• Taste the lassi and add additional sweetener if it's too tangy for your taste. (See "Recipe tips" section for sweetener recommendation)
• Transfer the mango lassi into a tall glass. 
• Add toppings. I used crushed pistachio, bee pollen, and saffron. Be creative here and add toppings you like.
• Serve and enjoy!
• Makes 1 serving that serves 1 person as a full meal or 2 servings as a snack.

Substitutions

• You can use any type of yogurt here (regular, low-fat, Greek style), or even kefir. Dairy or non-dairy, they are all fine.
• You can use any milk here: all plant-based milk is ok here except coconut milk. Coconut milk won't work well (because of the flavor). Cow's milk is also fine. Even goat milk, if you dare.
• You can substitute hemp seeds with chia seeds (which add more protein and fibers), or flax seeds (which add more fiber).
• You can substitute fresh ginger with cardamom pods or powder.

Recipe variations

• Make it protein-packed: Add a scoop of protein powder. This will transfer mango lassi into a great protein-packed, post-workout shake. I recommend unflavored protein powder or vanilla flavored.  
• Make it vegan: Use non-dairy products, plant-based milk, and vegan probiotic yogurt.

Tips for storing

• Store in a glass jar with a lid or shaker and keep refrigerated for up to one day. Don't forget to shake before drinking!
• Remember, all smoothies oxidate when left standing. That's not bad. But to reap all benefits from ingredients, it's best to have the smoothie freshly made.

Recipe tips

• When adding ingredients to a blender, always add the liquids first. Doing this will help your blender run easily, and this will prevent making lumps.
• Use a high-power blender to ensure everything blends well, and the smoothie is silky smooth. 
• Frozen mango is the best for making this mango lassi. It blends into a thick, very refreshing drink that gives you a cold punch.
• If you don't have frozen mango at hand, just pop the fresh mango cubes in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
• Use fresh mango. Avoid store-bought mango pulp or canned mango.
• Mango lassi can be very thick. Especially if you use frozen mango. Add more liquids, water (recommended), or milk until you achieve desired consistency. It should be runny but not too watery.
• If you plan to use flax seeds as a substitution for hemp seeds, grind them before using them. Grinding flax seeds is the best way to make the most of their health benefits.

Sweetener recommendation

I recommend using honey or maple syrup. They are both mild and won't overtake the overall mango taste. Make sure you use honey in runny form, not raw honey (it's very intense).

Stevia or any low-carb sweetener is fine too. This is totally based on your preference.