A mango lassi is a fruity and tropical smoothie-style drink that’s easy to make as the list of mango lassi ingredients is straightforward to follow. It’s actually an ancient drink originating in the Punjab region of northern India, and is believed to have been created around 1000 BC. It was traditionally thought to have healing properties and act as a digestive aid. One of the classic elements of Punjabi cuisine, lassi has evolved throughout the centuries to feature a variety of different sweet and spicy flavors.
If you’re curious about how to prepare mango lassi, the only technique you need to master is the cutting of the mango. Place the mango onto a flat surface and, using a sharp knife, slice it lengthways around the stone in the center. Using a smaller knife, cut a criss-cross pattern into the flesh down to the skin, but take care not to cut through. You will then be able to turn the mango inside out and cut away the cubes into a bowl, which can be used in the blender. If you’re short on time you can use frozen mango, but you’ll get the brightest flavors in your lassi with fresh mangoes in season. It’s also possible to add ice to the blender with your mango, if you’d like to make a thicker, frozen-style lassi. And if you don’t have access to a blender, you can mix a lassi in a Mason jar, using mango purée for the base. Simply add all of the ingredients for one serving into the jar and whisk together.
Sweetness and Spice Adjustments
When purchasing your fruit, look out for very ripe mangoes. If it’s not ripe enough then you’ll have to adjust the sweetness of the lassi by adding more honey, or sugar if using. There are a few key ways to identify ripe mangoes. First, if you squeeze the mango gently it should give way a little. A ripe mango will also be beautifully aromatic all over, so it’s worth giving it a quick smell. Lastly, you could weigh the mangoes at the store and check for the heaviest weight, to ensure you’re selecting the ripest produce possible. And there are lots of different types of mangoes to choose from. Keep an eye out for Alphonso mangoes, widely considered to be the best option for a lassi as they’re naturally sweeter than other varieties.
Cardamom is the classic spice for this drink, but you can use other spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, or paprika, depending on the flavor notes you’d like to add to your final drink. Start with a small pinch of your chosen spice, and adjust to taste as needed.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Mango lassi looks appetizing when presented in individual glasses, with a sprinkle of cardamom on top, a colorful mint leaf or a handful of chopped pistachios. If you have glassware or cups with Punjabi-style patterns on, these would be perfect for adding an authentic touch to your presentation. If you choose to add ice to the blender to make a thicker, frozen-style lassi, then we’d suggest serving your beverage with a straw, to make it easier to drink.
