Lassi is a summer coolant native to India. This traditional beverage that is locally popular has yogurt as it's base and comes both in sweet and salted versions. A fresh batch of yogurt made with full fat milk is best suited for lassi preparation. The basic version needs only yogurt, water and salt / sugar which is filling, nourishing and cooling. Adding spices and herbs makes it more flavorful though optional. Twists to the traditional drink has lead into many variations that include nuts / fruits and so on.
My version today contains pistachios in the lassi as the name suggests and the lassi is flavored with cardamom and sugar. This creamy, cool beverage is a perfect foil for the summer heat. Here are some lassis that have been posted earlier.
Ingredients:
2 cardamom pods / 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
6 tbsp. pistachios
6 tbsp. pistachios
2 cups chilled, full fat yogurt
4 tsp. sugar or to taste
4 tsp. sugar or to taste
* Separate the seeds from cardamom pods. Grind pistachios and cardamom seeds together coarsely. Transfer the ground pistachio to a bowl.
* Save some of the ground pistachio for garnishing. Blend yogurt, sugar, remaining ground pistachio, cardamom and ice until smooth and frothy.
* Pour lassi into serving glasses and garnish with crushed pistachio. Serve immediately.