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Friday, April 6, 2018

A - Z Indian Street Foods ~ E for Elaichi - Kesar Lassi (Cardamom - Saffron Lassi)

 I had seen as a kid often my grandfather requesting my grandmother to prepare whisked yogurt / buttermilk adding sugar, especially during summers. I would wonder why he had to drink that when salty version tasted way much better. That was before my palate got used to the sweet smoothies / milkshakes and before I got to learn that every ingredient used in traditional Indian cooking has a purpose behind it. I came to know later that whisked yogurt in some other parts of India goes by the name lassi and it is consumed for the cooling effect it has on body.
Nowadays lassi has gained popularity globally though the drink originated in India and especially associated with the Punjab region. Lassis are served at every meal at homes in some parts and this refreshing drink is quite filling and makes a great protein filled snack. It is not uncommon to find famous lassi parlours / lasssi bhandars in towns where the drink is popular. The basic versions of lassi are the healthiest where yogurt is whisked with a small quantity of water and either salt or sugar is added to get mildly salted lassi and sweet lassi respectively. Cumin powder may be used as well for salted version. Sweet versions may be flavored or pureed fruits added like mango to make delicious, exotic versions. The stores sell more richer versions with butter like the makkhan lassi or top it with malai (cream) or rabri. There is even the bhaang lassi, the cannabis infused drink served by some during the Holi festival in northern parts of India. In my husband's hometown of Kadapa, nannari lassi is more popular. It is prepared with yogurt and nannari syrup blended which in turn is made with the woody aromatic nannari roots that have cooling medicinal properties and sugar.
For my ‘E’ post today as part of the ongoing Indian street food series, I decided to go with elaichi / cardamom flavored lassi infused with kesar / saffron and topped with crushed nuts. It is a quick drink to prepare and enjoy, especially on a hot summer day. I wanted a thicker version and so, omitted water but replace a small quantity of milk with water. Add more water if you are preparing chaas or buttermilk. The quantity of sugar used depends upon how much sweeter lassi one would prefer.
Ingredients:
2 pinches of saffron strands
2 cups cold, full-fat yogurt
½ tsp. ground cardamom
Sugar to taste
Slivered pistachio and almonds to garnish
 
Method: 
* Combine saffron strands and a tbsp. of hot water in a small cup and keep it aside for a couple of minutes. 
* Blend yogurt, water soaked saffron strands, cardamom and sugar until smooth. 
* Pour the mixture equally into 2 or 3 serving glasses and garnish with nuts and saffron strands. Serve immediately. 

So far, on this series, 
A for Aloo Kabli
B for Bajra Vada
C for Chooda Matar
D for Dahi Batata Puri

17 comments:

Unknown said...

wow that is such a refreshing lassi with elaichi flavor, looks so delightful !! I would love to have it with a spicy meal ..The perfect drink to beat the summer heat :)

vaishali sabnani said...

I might not be a lassi fan , but I am surely drooling over this Elaichi lassi. Wow..it looks so cool and I bet a perfect dessert for the summers.

Priya Suresh said...

Hard to resist to this delightful lassi. I can drink anytime of the day if you serve this ultimate drink.

Gayathri Kumar said...

Lassi used to be one of our fav drinks while growing up. I learnt a lot about the exotic varieties only after blogging. Nannari lassi too sounds amazing. Guess I will add the commercial nannari syrup and see how it tastes. This version with cardamom and saffron is absolutely yum..

Pavani said...

I used to think the same Suma -- how did people eat Shrikand and drink sweet lassi?? But like you said, I have started to appreciate the combination much better now. This sweet lassi with elaichi sounds refreshing and delicious. Lovely clicks.

Sandhiya said...

I'm just opposite of what you said,I like sweet lassi more than the salt one. I just simply love the flavor of cardamom in the sweet lassi. You have made it so perfectly and the pics are so good, wish i could grab right away.

Sandhya Ramakrishnan said...

Oh wow! That frothy sweet lassi is just calling out to me. I love a glass of kesar lassi on a warm day and this one with elaichi sounds even more exciting.

Harini R said...

Buttermilk with Kala namak is an everyday affair at home. And Mango lassi in summers :) I should try saffron and elaichi flavored ones as well. Good one.

Kalyani said...

I like how thick n creamy this is ! Given my preference for savoury buttermilk any day, I think this sits very pretty amongst lassi lovers ..

Sharmila kingsly said...

All time favourite and for this summer its so refreshing..

Srivalli said...

I simply love the sweet lassi and with all those addons your drink looks so inviting Suma..wonderful choice for the letter!

Padmajha said...

Lassi / buttermilk is a favorite at home and I try to make different versions so that kids dont get bored of drinking plain buttermilk. Your clicks are so refreshing and I definitely need a tall glass right now!

cookingwithsapana said...

I too prefer salted lassi over sweet but your elaichi kesar lassi looks so good that I want to grab it from the screen.

Srividhya said...

Nannari lassi sounds very interesting... Between this elaichi lassi is great and thanks for all the ideas :-)

Mayuri Patel said...

I'm not a huge fan of sweet lassi but if its flavored with saffron and elachi then please pass a glassful to me. It looks so delicious. Feel like having a cold glass of the preparation right now.

Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen said...

I love sweet lassi’s! Though I make only salted ones at home, whenever we eat out, I prefer the sweet ones! Elaichi & saffron lassi looks tempting that garnish on top makes it more inviting ❤️

preeti garg said...

Biggest fan of meethi lassi.. love cardamom and kesar flavor on the top.