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Lassi Yogurt Drink

A Cooking with Kids Original Recipe (No-flame, No-fire)

Preparation time: 5 minutes or less
Yield: 2 cups

 

Families in India combat the torrid, tropical heat by whipping up pitchers of ice-cold lassi (LAH-see), India's answer to our Western smoothie. These yogurt-blended drinks may be sweet with fruit juice or savory with spices, and may be as medicinal in their intent (depending on the herbs and spices used) as they are for pure refreshment. This recipe makes 2 cups, but if you visit an Indian home, don't be surprised to be served an entire jug of lassi just for yourself—in India's triple digit temperatures, you'll eagerly welcome this generous gesture of cool—and cooling—hospitality.

 

Ingredients and Steps

• 1 cup yogurt
• 3/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks
       or 1 5.5-ounce can pineapple in juice
• Juice from 1/2 lime, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons honey or sugar, or to taste
• 5 or 6 ice cubes

 

1. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until mixed. (If using canned pineapple, add some or part of the juice in the can, to taste.)
2. Serve immediately or chill until ready to drink.

 

Vary It! This recipe uses pineapple, but experiment with your own favorite fruits and flavorings. Indians may sweeten this drink with sugar, fruit, or fruit juice, and enhance the taste with cardamom, nutmeg, mint, or rose water, among others. For a savory lassi, blend in chiles, ginger, cumin, salt, or garlic. Use the Cool-as-a-Cucumber Dressing as the basis of a refreshing non-fruit lassi, thinning it as desired with more yogurt or ice.

 

Recipe © 1999, 2007 by Kate Heyhoe