Meethi Lassi (Sweet Yogurt Drink)
Local name: میٹھی لسی
In short: Thick, chilled yogurt blended with sugar, cardamom and a splash of rose water into a frothy, creamy drink, the classic Punjabi answer to summer heat. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 180 kcal
On a hot Punjab afternoon, nothing cools you down quite like a tall glass of lassi. Meethi lassi is the sweet version: thick yogurt whisked or blended with cold water, sugar and cardamom until frothy, then poured over ice. Lassi stalls often top the glass with a spoonful of malai (clotted cream) and chopped pistachios. It is cooling, filling and ready in five minutes.
Instructions
- Put the yogurt, water, sugar and cardamom in a blender. Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds, until the lassi is smooth and frothy and the sugar has dissolved.
- Taste and add more sugar or water if you like, then blend for 10 seconds more. Stir in the rose water if using.
- Add the ice and pulse 3 or 4 times to crush it roughly. Pour the lassi into 4 tall glasses.
- Top each glass with a spoonful of malai and a sprinkle of pistachios and serve at once.
Tips
- Use full-fat yogurt that is a day or two old for a slightly sour edge that balances the sugar. If the lassi is too thick, thin it with a splash of cold milk rather than more water, which dilutes the flavor.
- For a salty version, replace the sugar and rose water with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and ground roasted cumin. For a mango lassi, blend in 1 cup of ripe mango pulp and reduce the sugar.
Questions and answers
Why is my lassi not frothy?
Froth comes from vigorous blending. Blend for a full minute, use well chilled yogurt and do not overfill the blender. Without a blender, whisk hard or pour the lassi back and forth between two jugs.
Can I make lassi ahead of time?
Yes. Blend it up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge without ice. It separates on standing, so whisk or shake it well before adding ice and serving.
Can I use low-fat yogurt?
Low-fat yogurt works but gives a thinner, less creamy drink, so add a splash of milk. Plant-based yogurts also blend well, though the flavor will differ from a traditional lassi.
How long does it take to make Meethi Lassi (Sweet Yogurt Drink)?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Meethi Lassi (Sweet Yogurt Drink)?
About 180 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 20 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 180 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
