Mango Lassi
A thick, creamy mango lassi made with ripe mango, yogurt, milk and a pinch of cardamom. Sweet, cooling and ready in 5 minutes in the blender.
Mango lassi is a creamy yogurt drink from India and Pakistan, loved for being sweet, tangy and cooling, especially alongside spicy food. It is thicker than a smoothie and full of mango flavor.
You need only ripe mango, plain yogurt, a splash of milk, a little sugar and a pinch of ground cardamom. Everything goes into the blender for about 30 seconds.
Canned mango pulp makes it even easier and gives a consistent, bright flavor all year round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Thick, creamy and cooling
- Works with fresh, frozen or canned mango
- Great with spicy meals
Ingredient Notes
Mango: Use very ripe, sweet mangoes such as Ataulfo (honey) mangoes, or canned Alphonso or Kesar mango pulp from South Asian grocery stores. Frozen mango chunks make a thicker, colder lassi.
Yogurt: Plain whole milk yogurt gives the creamiest texture. Greek yogurt works but needs a little more milk.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Mango Lassi
Blend
Add the mango, yogurt, milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, cardamom and ice to a blender. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until completely smooth and frothy.
Taste
Taste and add more sugar if your mango was not very sweet, or more milk for a thinner drink. Blend again briefly.
Serve
Pour into glasses and dust with a tiny pinch of cardamom or chopped pistachios. Serve right away.
Tips for the Best Results
- Chill the mango and yogurt first for the coldest, thickest lassi.
- Canned mango pulp is often already sweetened; taste before adding sugar.
- A few strands of saffron soaked in a spoon of warm milk add a lovely aroma.
- Freeze leftovers in ice pop molds for mango kulfi-style treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Using unripe mango | Unripe mango is sour and fibrous. Use very ripe fruit or canned pulp. |
| Too much cardamom | A pinch is enough; it is strong and can taste soapy in large amounts. |
| Watery lassi | Use whole milk yogurt and add milk a little at a time. |
Substitutions
- Whole milk yogurt: Coconut or soy yogurt plus plant milk for dairy-free.
- Sugar: Honey, maple syrup or 2 pitted dates.
- Cardamom: A pinch of cinnamon, or leave it out.
What to Serve With It
- Spicy dishes
- Garlic butter baked chicken thighs
- Overnight French toast casserole
- Easy banana bread
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Refrigerate in a covered jar for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving.
Freezer: Freeze in ice pop molds for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Serve cold. No reheating needed.
Tools That Make This Easier
- High speed blenderBlends mango completely smooth with no fibers.Check price on Amazon
- Tall drinking glassesThe classic way to serve lassi.Check price on Amazon
- Ice pop moldsTurns leftover lassi into frozen treats.Check price on Amazon
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Mango Lassi
A thick, creamy mango lassi made with ripe mango, yogurt, milk and a pinch of cardamom. Sweet, cooling and ready in 5 minutes in the blender.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the mango, yogurt, milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, cardamom and ice to a blender. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until completely smooth and frothy.
- Taste and add more sugar if your mango was not very sweet, or more milk for a thinner drink. Blend again briefly.
- Pour into glasses and dust with a tiny pinch of cardamom or chopped pistachios. Serve right away.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 230 kcal
- Protein
- 7 g
- Carbohydrates
- 39 g
- Total Fat
- 6 g
- Saturated Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
- Sugar
- 36 g
- Sodium
- 85 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mango lassi made of?
Mango, yogurt, a little milk or water, sugar and often a pinch of cardamom, blended until smooth.
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes. Frozen mango makes a thicker, colder lassi. Skip the ice and add a little extra milk if needed.
What is the difference between a lassi and a smoothie?
A lassi is yogurt based and usually thinner and tangier, often flavored with cardamom. Smoothies typically use more fruit and sometimes no dairy.
Is mango lassi healthy?
It provides protein and calcium from yogurt and vitamins from mango, but it also contains natural and added sugar, so enjoy it as a treat or reduce the sugar.
