Mango Lassi Smoothie Magic

Mango Lassi Smoothie Magic

This recipe creates a delicious, creamy, and refreshing smoothie that perfectly balances the sweetness of mango with the tang of yogurt.

Yields: 1-2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large, ripe mango (about 1.5 cups of chopped mango)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat Greek yogurt works best for a thicker smoothie)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or a plant-based milk like almond or oat)
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to your desired sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but highly recommended for an authentic flavor)
• A pinch of saffron threads (optional, for color and flavor)
• A few ice cubes (optional, if you prefer a colder, thicker consistency)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mango: Peel the mango and carefully cut the flesh away from the large, flat pit. Chop the mango flesh into small cubes.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped mango cubes, plain yogurt, milk, sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or maple syrup), and ground cardamom (if using) into a blender.
3. Blend: Secure the lid on the blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you are using ice cubes, add them now and blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is a uniform consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or thickness as needed. You can add more milk to thin it out or a little more yogurt or ice to make it thicker.
5. Serve: Pour the finished smoothie into a glass.
6. Garnish: For a beautiful presentation, garnish with a fresh mint leaf, a sprinkle of ground cardamom, or a few saffron threads.
7. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this cool and revitalizing treat!

Tips for the Perfect Mango Lassi:

• Choose Ripe Mangoes: The key to a great lassi is using a ripe, sweet mango. Alphonso or Ataulfo mangoes are excellent choices if available.
• Use Full-Fat Yogurt: Using full-fat Greek yogurt will result in a richer, creamier, and more satisfying smoothie.
• Cardamom is Key: Don’t skip the cardamom! It’s the spice that gives traditional lassi its distinctive and fragrant aroma.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the dairy yogurt with a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy) and the dairy milk with a plant-based milk.