Savory Mint Lassi
A cooling, savory yogurt drink blended with fresh mint, cumin, and a touch of black salt. This refreshing lassi is the perfect antidote to a hot afternoon or a spicy meal, balancing heat with its creamy, tangy flavor and aromatic herbal notes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Toast and grind the cumin seeds.
1.Place a small skillet over medium-low heat.2.Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and dry roast, shaking the pan, until fragrant and slightly darker (30-45 sec).3.Transfer to a plate to cool completely, then crush with a mortar-pestle or under a heavy pan.TIPWatch carefully — cumin burns quickly. The moment you smell it, it's done. - mix · ~1 min
Blend the lassi.
1.Add 2 cups chilled yogurt, 1 cup chilled water, ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, and the toasted cumin to a blender.2.Add 1 pinch of black salt and 1 pinch of regular salt.3.Blend on high until smooth and frothy (30-40 sec).4.Taste and adjust salt if needed.TIPFor a thinner lassi, add an extra splash of cold water and pulse once. - garnish
Pour, garnish, and serve immediately.
Pour the lassi into tumblers over ice cubes if using. Sprinkle with the finely chopped mint leaves and a tiny pinch of the reserved roasted cumin powder.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat yogurt for a creamier, richer texture that balances the mint and cumin.
- 2Chill the yogurt and water beforehand so the lassi stays cold without diluting from ice.
- 3Toast the cumin seeds just until fragrant—they burn in seconds and turn bitter.
- 4Grind the toasted cumin coarsely using a mortar-pestle; a fine powder loses its texture.
- 5Adjust black salt carefully—it adds a sulfurous tang but can overpower if overused.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace yogurt with an unsweetened, thick plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut or soy) and water with a neutral plant milk. The lassi stays savory and cooling for dairy-free diets.
spicySpicy
Add ½ a small green chili (deseeded if you prefer less heat) to the blender. This gives a gentle kick that pairs beautifully with the mint and cumin.
low oilLow-oil
Use low-fat or nonfat yogurt for a lighter calorie count. The lassi will be thinner and less creamy but still refreshing.
herb swapHerb swap
Substitute mint with an equal amount of fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) for a different herbal profile. This works well alongside chaat masala.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Probiotic-Rich
Yogurt supplies live cultures that support gut health and digestion, especially helpful after a spicy meal.
Hydrating & Cooling
The high water content from yogurt and blended water, plus fresh mint, helps cool the body and rehydrate on hot days.
Digestive Aid
Cumin and black salt are traditional digestives; cumin stimulates enzyme secretion while black salt eases bloating.
Frequently asked questions
It's best served fresh; the froth settles and the mint flavor dulls. If needed, blend again briefly with a few ice cubes just before serving.
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