Name: Easy Homemade Mango Lassi with Cardamom
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups plain yogurt (full-fat, cold); 2 cups mango (ripe, peeled and cubed); 0.25 cup milk (cold); 3 tablespoons honey (or to taste); 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 cup ice cubes; 2 tablespoons pistachios (chopped, for garnish (optional))

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Mango Lassi

Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of India with a refreshing glass of homemade mango lassi with cardamom. This creamy, sweet yogurt-based drink is a beloved staple in Indian cuisine, offering the perfect balance of tropical mango sweetness and aromatic spices. While you might be familiar with this drink from your favorite Indian restaurant, making easy homemade mango lassi with cardamom in your own kitchen is surprisingly simple and even more delicious.

As someone who spent years perfecting this classic beverage, I can tell you that the secret lies in using perfectly ripe mangoes and the right proportion of ingredients. This recipe captures the authentic taste of a traditional mango lassi while being incredibly easy to prepare in just 10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Requires just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time
Restaurant Quality: Tastes just like (or better than!) your favorite Indian restaurant’s version
Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness and thickness to your preference
No Special Equipment: Just needs a basic blender
Perfect for Entertaining: Can be made in advance and serves a crowd beautifully

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

The key to an exceptional homemade mango lassi with cardamom lies in selecting quality ingredients:

Mangoes: Alphonso or Ataulfo mangoes are ideal for their sweet, creamy flesh. If fresh mangoes aren’t available, frozen mango chunks work well too. Ensure they’re fully thawed before blending.

Yogurt: Full-fat plain yogurt provides the best texture and taste. Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker lassi, but you’ll need to add more milk or water. For a dairy-free version, coconut yogurt makes an excellent substitute.

Cardamom: Freshly ground green cardamom pods offer the most authentic flavor. Pre-ground cardamom works in a pinch, but use slightly less as it’s more concentrated.

How to Make Easy Homemade Mango Lassi with Cardamom

Creating the perfect mango lassi is all about balance and technique. Start by blending your ripe mango chunks until smooth, then add the yogurt and blend again. The cardamom and any sweetener go in last, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your preference.

The consistency should be similar to a thick milkshake – smooth and pourable but not too thin. If your mangoes aren’t sweet enough, a touch of honey or sugar can help achieve the perfect balance. The entire process takes just minutes, making this an ideal refreshing drink for any time of day.

Expert Tips for Success

After making countless mango lassis, here are my top tips for guaranteed success:

Temperature Matters: Use chilled yogurt and room temperature mangoes for the best consistency
Don’t Over-blend: Mix just until smooth to prevent the lassi from becoming too thin
Taste as You Go: Mango sweetness varies greatly, so adjust sweetener accordingly
Straining Optional: For an extra-smooth texture, strain through a fine-mesh sieve

Common mistakes to avoid include using underripe mangoes (which lack sweetness) and adding too much liquid initially – you can always thin it out later if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade mango lassi with cardamom immediately in tall glasses, garnished with a pinch of ground cardamom or a few saffron threads for an elegant touch. This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with spicy Indian dishes like biryani, curry, or tandoori chicken, helping to cool the palate.

For a beautiful presentation, chill the serving glasses beforehand and consider adding a small mango slice on the rim.

Storage & Meal Prep

While mango lassi is best enjoyed fresh, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir or quick blend before serving, as separation is natural. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the mango puree in advance and store it separately from the yogurt mixture.

Note that freezing isn’t recommended as it can affect the texture of the yogurt.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these delicious variations of the classic mango lassi:

Rose Mango Lassi: Add a few drops of rose water for a floral twist
Saffron Mango Lassi: Infuse with a few strands of saffron for luxury and color
Mixed Berry Mango Lassi: Add strawberries or raspberries for extra fruity flavor
Protein-Packed Version: Include a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a post-workout treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make mango lassi without fresh mangoes?

Yes, frozen mango chunks work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they’re completely thawed before blending. Canned mango pulp is another good option.

Why is my mango lassi too thick/thin?

The consistency depends on your mangoes and yogurt. Adjust by adding milk or water for a thinner lassi, or more yogurt for a thicker drink.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Use coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt, and sweeten with agave or maple syrup instead of honey.

How long does mango lassi last?

Fresh is best, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving.

Ready to Cook?

Now you’re equipped with everything you need to make the perfect easy homemade mango lassi with cardamom! This refreshing drink is sure to become a favorite in your beverage rotation. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your beautiful creations on social media – I’d love to see how yours turns out!