Best Summer Drink ‘Lassi Benefits and Recipes’ – The Ultimate Heat Combat Drink

Summer is just around the corner, and North Indian families combat the torrid, tropical heat by whipping up pitchers of ice-cold ‘lassi’ as a staple drink at home. This amazing yogurt-blended drink can be sweet or savory, infused with your favorite spices.

Beyond its refreshing taste, it is also known for its medicinal properties. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite fruits. Some people would like to enhance the taste with cardamom, nutmeg, mint, or rose water.

In this blog, we will learn more about one of the best summer drinks not only in India but all over the world.

Lassi Origin and Benefits  

It originated in Punjab, India around 1000 BC. It is rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. It is made from well-churned yogurt and offers significant benefits to our digestive system. It helps with stomach problems such as acids and indigestion or heartburn. It not only aids digestion but also strengthens bones and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.

8 Must-Try Places for Lassi in India: Check Your Nearby Lassi Spots!

1. Gian Di Lassi in at Chowk Regent Cinema, Katra Sher Singh, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar

2. Chhati Di Lassi in Amritsar

3. Meghraj And Sons at Chowk Fateh Puri, Chandni Chowk, Delhi

4. Blue Lassi Shop at Kunj Gali, Kachaudi Gali, Near Rajbandhu, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

5. Lassiwala at Mirza Ismail Rd, Jayanti Market, Pink City, Jaipur

6. Kailash Mandir Lassi & Sweets at Kasam Mitha Building, Naigaon Cross Road, Dada Saheb Phalke Marg, Dadar East, Mumbai

7. Shri Mishrilal Hotel at Clock Tower Rd, Sardar Market, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

8. Yousufi Lassi & Restaurant at New Mallepally Circle, Priya Talkies Road, Hyderabad

Above Source

Classic Lassi Recipe to make at home 

• 2 cups Plain Curd (yogurt/dahi) (500 ml)
• Sugar/salt (as per required)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (you can skip it if you don’t like it)
• 1/2 cup Water or Milk
• 1 tablespoon chopped mixed nuts, for garnishing, optional

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Use homemade curd for a better taste
• For the best flavor, use a mathani or a wired whisk (don’t use the electric one)
• Make sure that curd is not sour otherwise, it will taste sour.
• Use full-fat curd (whole milk yogurt) for creaminess.
• Use powdered sugar to dissolve the sugar easily.
• For variation, top it with your favourite scoop of ice cream.
• To make Fresh Fruit add 1/2 cup puree of any fresh fruit like strawberry or mango.

Varieties in Lassi

It is prepared with yogurt, water, and spices. However, it can be prepared in different ways. See you are always open to invent your gourmet magic. The most consumed lassis are sweet and fruity. But it may vary to the taste of people. Here are a few types that are popular among people.

1. Sweet 

It is a classic sweet simple and luxuriously delicious at the same time. It’s easy to make and requires only three basic ingredients, commonly found in Indian households. In Punjabi, people love to have a giant jug of it after breakfast or lunch. This will help them to stay hydrated on scorching summer days.

Sweet Lassi Recipe:

2 cups Plain Curd (yogurt/dahi) (500 ml)

Sugar (as per required)

1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (optional)

1/2 cup Water or Milk

1 tablespoon chopped mixed nuts (for garnishing, optional)

Preparation:

• Use homemade curd for better taste.
• Whisk the curd using a mathani or a wired whisk (avoid electric mixers).
• Ensure the curd is not sour.
• Use full-fat curd (whole milk yogurt) for a creamy texture.
• Dissolve sugar easily by using powdered sugar.
• Top with your favorite scoop of ice cream for variation.
• For a fruity twist, add 1/2 cup puree of fresh fruit like strawberry or mango.

1. Mango

Mangoes, rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, are a highlight of summer. There are so many drinks that can be prepared from mangoes such as aam panna, aam rass, mango shakes, or smoothies as well you can make mango lassi.

Mango Lassi Recipe:

Ripe mangoes (puree)

Yogurt

Sugar (optional)

Water or Milk

Preparation:

• Blend ripe mangoes with yogurt, sugar, and water or milk.
• Serve chilled and enjoy the tropical goodness.

2. Rooh Afza 

Rooh Afza is one of the most refreshing drinks in summer. Mostly, Muslim people open their fast with Rooh Afza. It contains important minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sulphur and calcium it. It tastes and smells like rose petals. Many people like rooh afza on Khoye Ki Kulfi or Falooda Ice-cream. Similarly, people mix rooh afza in it and enjoy it thoroughly in summers.

Roof Afza Lassi Recipe:

Rooh Afza syrup

Yogurt

Sugar (optional)

Water

Preparation:

• Mix Rooh Afza syrup with yogurt and sugar.
• Dilute with water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Garnish with mint leaves if you like.

3. Savory 

Are you somebody who likes savory raita? Then you must like it savory only. If you enjoy savory raita, you’ll love this creamy and cooling lassi infused with cumin, salt, and curd. There are two Classic Indian Lassi; sweet and savory.

Savory Lassi Recipe:

Yogurt

Water

Cumin powder

Salt

Preparation:

• Whisk yogurt with water until smooth.
• Add cumin powder and salt to taste.
• Serve chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to spicy meals.

As the mercury rises and the sun blazes overhead, there’s a timeless tradition that unites families across North India—the beloved drink. This humble yet extraordinary concoction of yogurt, spices, and sheer delight has been soothing parched throats for centuries. So let’s raise our glasses (or rather, our earthenware tumblers) to this iconic summer elixir.

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