Savory Mint Lassi
An intensely refreshing and savory twist on the classic Indian lassi, this herby drink is perfect for cooling down on a hot afternoon or as a digestive aid with a heavy meal.
For 2 servings
Wash the fresh mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Peel the fresh ginger. If using a green chili, remove the stem and deseed it for a milder flavor, or leave seeds for more heat.
Combine the plain whole milk yogurt, cold water, washed mint leaves, peeled ginger, deseeded green chili (if using), roasted cumin powder, black salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a high-speed blender.
Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the mint leaves are completely pulverized, and the mixture is smooth and frothy. Ensure there are no large pieces of mint or ginger remaining.
Taste the lassi and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or cumin powder to suit your preference. If the lassi is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more cold water and blend briefly.
Fill two serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the freshly blended savory mint lassi over the ice.
Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig or a light sprinkle of roasted cumin powder before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat yogurt for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. If using Greek yogurt, you might need to add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency.
- 2For best flavor, use freshly roasted and ground cumin. You can lightly toast whole cumin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- 3Always serve lassi chilled and immediately after blending to enjoy its frothy texture and refreshing qualities. It tends to lose its frothiness if left to sit.
- 4If you prefer a smoother lassi without any fibrous bits, strain the blended lassi through a fine-mesh sieve before serving, though this is usually not necessary with a good blender.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cucumber Mint Lassi
Add 1/4 cup peeled and chopped cucumber to the blender for an even more cooling and hydrating variation.
Spicy Ginger LassiSpicy Ginger Lassi
Increase the amount of ginger to a 1-inch piece and add a whole small green chili for a more pronounced spicy kick.
Herb Medley LassiHerb Medley Lassi
Experiment with adding a few fresh cilantro leaves or a tiny bit of curry leaves along with the mint for a complex herbal profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
Yogurt contains probiotics that promote gut health, while mint is known to soothe the digestive tract and relieve indigestion.
Rich in Nutrients
This lassi provides a good source of calcium and protein from yogurt, along with vitamins and antioxidants from mint and ginger.
Cooling & Hydrating
The cold water and cooling properties of mint make this lassi an excellent beverage for hydration and combating heat, especially in warm climates.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat yogurt, but the lassi might be less creamy and slightly thinner. You may need to adjust the water quantity accordingly.
