Mango Lassi
by Lucy ArlingtonA few weeks ago I had a friend staying with me, and one evening for supper she cooked us chicken curry, which was delicious. To finish off the meal she made us Mango Lassi.
"What's that?" I asked when she told me that's what she'd be making.
"Oh, it's a thick drink made with mangos and yogurt."
"Like a smoothie?" My kids have smoothies made with berries and yogurt all the time. "How is it different, other than using mangos, I mean?"
"You'll see," she said, smiling. "You'll love it."
And I did, both seeing and loving it.
After she left, I Googled recipes for Mango Lassi, a sweet, rich Indian beverage. I found several versions, all with the same basic ingredients—mangos and yogurt—but they vary in the flavorings, using sugar, or cardamom, or honey, even cream. None of the recipes I found used the special ingredient in Paulette's recipe. Vanilla. That makes hers unique enough for me to share with you. On a hot summer's day, a Mango Lassi tastes better than a milkshake. And hey, there's a bonus—it's good for you!
Paulette's Mango Lassi (for 4)
2 average sized mangos
2 cups yogurt (we used thick Greek style)
2 cups ice
2 teaspoons vanilla
1. Peel and cut up mango.
2. Put it with all the other ingredients into a blender or food processor.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour into glasses and enjoy.
