Recipe Mango Lassi

Lassi is a very refreshing drink from India. A plain lassi is very simply made by whisking plain yoghurt and water in equal volumes. There are however variations and this Mango Lassi is thick sweet and creamy, just how I like it. A word of warning though it is possible to ask for this to be made without sugar in an Indian restaurant but it was a while before I discovered that they sometimes add mango syrup as well. If you ask for fresh mango only and no sugar then it should be alright. If you are just starting your diet and you are not allowed any fruit then make it plain or try the salt version below. 

Ingredients for one:

4 heaped tablespoons of thick plain yoghurt
5 fluid ounces of filtered cold water
half a mango peeled and cut into pieces.

Place all the ingredients into an electric blender for about half a minute until thick and creamy. Pour into a favourite glass and enjoy the sweet creamyness of it.

Salty Lassi

This recipe is for those of you who like something different. It is thinner than the other recipe but is certainly more refreshing to drink under the Indian sun. 

Ingredients for one:
1 cup of plain yoghurt
2 cups plain water
1/2 tsp ground roasted cumin seeds 
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp chopped dried mint, optional

Method
Mix all the ingredients in an electric blender for 3 seconds. If you do not have a blender, put the yoghurt in a bowl, beat with a fork or whisk until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the water, beating as you do so. Add all the other ingredients and mix.

(Courtsey Nutritional Therapist Pamela Singh)