Indian mango lassi with yogurt and cardamom

About this recipe

Mango lassi is a chilled yogurt-based drink associated with South Asian food traditions, especially Indian summer cooking. Unlike a fruit smoothie made with plant milk or banana, a lassi depends on the gentle tang and body of cultured yogurt. Ripe, non-fibrous mango provides the colour, fragrance and much of the sweetness, while a little ground green cardamom adds a restrained aromatic note. Using cold ingredients means the drink can be served immediately without diluting it with melting ice. A small quantity of drinking water loosens the yogurt enough to pour; too much water would make the mango flavour less distinct. Sweetness varies greatly between mango varieties, so the sugar is deliberately optional. Mango lassi is often enjoyed alongside warmly spiced meals or as a summer refreshment, and it is best consumed soon after blending.