Delicious Homemade Lassi Recipes You Can Make with Pantry Staples

Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink from the Indian subcontinent, known for its refreshing and cooling qualities. It comes in a variety of flavors, ranging from sweet to savory, making it the perfect drink for any occasion. The best part? You can make lassi at home using common pantry staples, so there’s no need for fancy ingredients or tools. Whether you’re craving something fruity, tangy, or creamy, here are some simple lassi recipes you can make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

1. Classic Sweet Lassi

The classic sweet lassi is a creamy, slightly tangy drink that’s perfect for hot days or when you need a refreshing treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup water or milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the yogurt, water (or milk), sugar, and cardamom powder.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding more sugar or honey.
4. Serve over ice for an extra chilled treat.

This simple sweet lassi is refreshing and can be enjoyed anytime!

2. Mango Lassi

Mango lassi is a beloved variant made with fresh or canned mangoes. It’s thick, rich, and deliciously sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup water or milk
• 1 ripe mango (or 1/2 cup canned mango puree)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your mango)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the mango (if using fresh).
2. In a blender, combine the mango, yogurt, water (or milk), sugar, and cardamom powder.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into glasses and serve chilled, with ice if desired.

Mango lassi is a perfect way to enjoy the tropical flavor of mango while benefiting from the cooling properties of yogurt.

3. Mint Lassi

Mint lassi is a refreshing, savory drink perfect for hot summer days, with a lovely burst of mint.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried mint)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the yogurt, water, mint leaves, cumin powder (if using), and salt.
2. Add lemon juice to enhance the flavor and blend again.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Serve chilled with ice.

The minty freshness pairs beautifully with yogurt, making this drink both cooling and flavorful.

4. Rose Lassi

If you’re looking for something more aromatic and floral, a rose lassi is the way to go. This lassi combines the fragrance of rose water with the creaminess of yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup water or milk
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the yogurt, water (or milk), sugar, and rose water.
2. Add cardamom powder if you’d like a hint of spice.
3. Blend until smooth and frothy.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
5. Serve chilled with ice.

The delicate rose flavor combined with creamy yogurt makes this drink feel like a luxurious treat.

5. Savory Lassi (Chaas)

In India, savory lassi, or “chaas,” is often served as a refreshing accompaniment to meals, especially spicy ones. It’s tangy and light, with a kick of cumin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder (toasted)
• A pinch of black salt
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• A pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or blender, whisk together the yogurt and water until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the cumin powder, black salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir or blend until smooth.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
5. Serve chilled.

Savory lassi is perfect for digestive health and pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, from spicy curries to fried snacks.

6. Cinnamon Lassi

For a warm, comforting twist on lassi, cinnamon lassi offers a lightly spiced, sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the yogurt, milk, honey (or sugar), and cinnamon powder together until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness.
3. Serve chilled, with ice if preferred.

The rich aroma of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to this simple lassi recipe, making it ideal for cooler months or cozy afternoons.

Tips for Perfect Lassi:

• Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your lassi by adding more water or milk if it’s too thick, or less if you prefer a richer drink.
• Sweetness: Always taste and adjust the sweetness to suit your preference. Different fruits or yogurt brands may vary in sweetness.
• Chill Well: Lassis are best enjoyed cold. For an extra cool drink, blend in ice cubes or chill the ingredients beforehand.

Lassi is a versatile drink that can be sweet, savory, or somewhere in between. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of yogurt while experimenting with different flavors. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these delicious lassis anytime you want a refreshing, homemade treat!