A Mango Lassi recipe like this one will have you whipping up the best homemade smoothies all the time. It’s creamy and fruity but with earthy hints of ground cardamom and cinnamon. Once you know how to make this simple Indian favorite, you will want it every day!
If you’re a fruit smoothie lover like myself, then you are going to LOVE this Indian rendition of a mango smoothie!
It has all of the essential elements of an incredible fruit smoothie: frozen fruit, tangy yogurt, some milk to cream it up, and a hint of sweetener.
But the part that takes this one over the top? The addition of an earthy spice called cardamom!
Don’t have this on hand? No worries! You can also sub ground cinnamon with just a tad bit of a flavor difference.
This refreshing homemade smoothie is the perfect drink for summer. Keep reading and see how to make the absolute best Mango Lassi.
Ingredients
The simple ingredients you need to make this Mango Lassi recipe include:
- Mango. Needs to be frozen in order to get the thick and creamy texture. You can either buy already frozen or learn how to cut a mango and freeze your own. Any variety should work, but Alphonso mangoes are from India and are full of flavor.
- Yogurt. Plain Greek or whole milk yogurt is best. Avoid getting flavored or ones with a lot of added sugar because the mango is already pretty sweet! You can use low-fat yogurt if preferred.
- Milk. Go for regular, full-fat to get the creamiest lassi. Or, you can substitute a dairy-free kind such as oat, soy, or nut-based, like almond milk. Coconut milk will work, as well.
- Sweetener. You just need a touch of regular sugar or honey. You can always make the lassi first, taste it, and then see if it needs any added sweetness. It is ok to leave the sugar out.
- Spice. Cardamom is the most classic spice used in this Indian favorite and will give it an authentic flavor. Opt for cardamom powder or use a mortar and pestle to crush cardamom pods. However, cinnamon can be used.
How to Make
These are the steps to follow to make the Mango Lassi recipe:
Prepare the Mango
In order to achieve the creamy consistency of this smoothie, you need to have fresh, sweet ripe mangoes. You can chop mango and freeze it yourself. Or, buy a bag of already frozen fruit to save time.
If you are using fresh, check out how to cut a mango. Starting from the smaller top end, slice each side of the mango off, leaving only a wedge in the middle with the pit.
Cut a grid into each side you removed. Use a spoon to scrape off the cubes. Then, carefully cut away the peel and any remaining edible mango from around the pit.
After you have cubes, place them in a single layer on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours. You need mostly frozen mango, but do not allow the fruit to freeze solid.
Blend it Up
If using previously frozen mango, pull it out of the freezer 15-20 minutes before making for easier blending.
Add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 30-60 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender, if needed, every 10-15 seconds to ensure everything is combined.
Start with a pinch of cardamom powder and increase to your desired preference.
This recipe makes enough for 2 servings. But, you can double or triple the batch as long as you have a big enough blender or food processor.
Serve and Enjoy
Pour your delicious mango drink into 2 glasses. Sprinkle additional cardamom or cinnamon on top. A fresh sprig of mint will add a nice pop of flavor and color, as well.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: If you are slicing your own mango, cut it into cubes and freeze 3 to 4 hours ahead of time.
- To Store: You can freeze tightly wrapped, sliced mango for up to 9 to 12 months. Mango Lassi is best enjoyed immediately.
- To Freeze: It is possible to freeze a prepared smoothie. Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to soften before enjoying. Re-blend after thawing to get a better consistency.
Dietary Modifications
The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:
- Dairy-free: Opt for dairy-free or vegan milk and yogurt.
- Paleo: Substitute nut-based or coconut milk and yogurt, and leave out the sugar. Or, you can sub with honey or pure maple syrup.
- Vegan: To make Mango Lassi vegan, use plant-based dairy options, like soy, rice, or almond.
FAQs
Mango Lassi is very healthy, low-fat, and full of essential nutrients. Mango has potassium, magnesium, fiber, and Vitamin C. Yogurt and milk are loaded with calcium and protein. This drink is low in cholesterol and contains healthy carbohydrates.
Mango Lassi is a blended mix of mangoes, yogurt, milk, and spices like cardamom and cinnamon. You can freeze fresh-sliced mangoes or save time with pre-frozen. In a pinch, you can use canned mango pulp. It is possible to substitute with mango puree, but you will need to blend the Mango Lassi with ice cubes to get the right texture.
Mango Lassi tastes like a spiced mango milkshake or smoothie, but with a thinner consistency. This drink is sweet and creamy.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Crush it. Using a mortar and pestle to crush cardamom pods packs a real punch of flavor.
- Freeze cubes. Cut a fresh mango into cubes and freeze for a few hours before blending.
- Let it sit. If you are using frozen mango, allow the fruit to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes prior to making the lassi.
- Make it pretty. Garnish your smoothie with a sprig of mint for looks and flavor.
- Change it up. Alter the taste of this Mango Lassi by adding saffron strands or other spices like clove and nutmeg.
More Smoothie Recipes
If this recipe has you craving more smoothies, check out these recipes next: Peach Banana Smoothie, Pineapple Spinach Green Smoothie and Mixed Berry Smoothie are so healthy for you!
Pineapple Coconut Smoothie and Blueberry Banana Smoothie are family favorites.
Protein-Packed Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie and this Mocha Milkshake taste like dessert in a glass!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup mango frozen
- 5.3 oz. yogurt plain
- 1 Tbsp. sugar or honey, optional
- ¾ cup milk regular, oat, soy, or a nut-based milk
- ⅛ tsp. cardamom or cinnamon
- Fresh mint for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 30-60 seconds, or until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender, if needed, every 10-15 seconds to ensure everything is combined.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of additional cardamom or cinnamon and a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Cut a mango and freeze for at least 4 hours if using fresh mango.
- If using previously frozen, pull out of the freezer for 15-20 minutes before making for easier blending.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: If you are slicing your own mango, cut it into cubes and freeze 3 to 4 hours ahead of time.
- To Store: You can freeze tightly wrapped, sliced mango for up to 9 to 12 months. Mango Lassi is best enjoyed immediately.
- To Freeze: It is possible to freeze a prepared smoothie. Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to soften before enjoying.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
