Lassi
A traditional drink from the Indian subcontinent, made by whisking yogurt with water or milk, sugar or salt, and usually fruit until frothy. It has two main types: sweet and salty.
What Is Lassi?
Lassi is a traditional drink from the Indian subcontinent, made by whisking yogurt with water or milk until it becomes a frothy, pourable beverage. It originated in the Punjab region and is now common throughout India and Pakistan.
There are two main types: sweet lassi, made with sugar and usually fruit such as mango, and salty (namkeen) lassi, made with salt and cumin. Compared with ayran, lassi is generally thicker and less diluted, and its sweet variety contains fruit.
Lassi Nutrition Facts
1 glass of sweet lassi contains approximately 90 kcal of energy; it provides protein and calcium from yogurt, and its carbohydrate content increases when fruit and sugar are added. Values vary by recipe and are approximate.
How Should Lassi Be Consumed?
Lassi is consumed in moderate amounts as a dairy-group beverage and as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; lassi is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People with a milk allergy should avoid lassi.
How to Choose Lassi
For homemade lassi, a good yogurt is full-fat, fresh, and not sour. Among ready-to-buy lassi products, choose one with a simple ingredient list.
- Yogurt should be full-fat and fresh, and should not smell sour
- Ready-made products should have a simple ingredient list and few unnecessary additives
- For fruit varieties, the amount of real fruit should be stated
How to Store Lassi
Lassi is a drink that is recommended to be prepared fresh and consumed the same day if possible; it can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time, but its texture and freshness may deteriorate over time.
How Lassi Is Used in the Kitchen
Lassi is most often consumed as a refreshing drink with spicy Indian dishes, at breakfast, and on hot days as a drink on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lassi and ayran the same thing?
They are closely related; both are yogurt-based, but ayran is usually diluted with only water and salt, while lassi can be thicker, and its sweet variety contains fruit and sugar.
What is mango lassi?
It is the most common and well-known variety of sweet lassi; it is made by whisking yogurt, milk, sugar, and mango until smooth.
How do you make lassi at home?
Yogurt, water or milk, and—if desired—sugar or fruit, or salt and cumin, are blended until frothy.