PUDINA CHAAS YOGURT LASSI
DRIED MINT AND FRESH YOGURT MAKE A COOLING SUMMER DRINK.
Shivani's namkeen lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt drink made with dried mint, fresh curd and water that's good for digestion and cooling in summer. Mint is “pudina” in Hindi. Chaas is a style of yogurt lassi drink made with salt and spices. Much lighter than a mango lassi, chaas is drunk during the height of summer to cool and hydrate the system.
Find out the top health benefits of drinking chaas >
RECIPE DETAILS
Serves: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Dietary Style: Gluten Free. Vegetarian.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tbsp fresh yogurt
- 2 tbsp whey
- 2 cups water
- salt to taste
- a few pinches of toasted ground cumin seed
- 1 to 2 tsps of fresh dried mint
- fresh mint to garnish (optional)
METHOD
How to make our namkeen yogurt lassi recipe.
STEP 1
Combine all ingredients in an adequately sized jug and whisk. Taste as you go and moderate the salt as needed—I like my lassi a little saltier, especially when it’s hot and dry. Prepare ice cubes in a glass and pour over your fresh lassi or pudina chaas. Top with a sprig of fresh mint.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
LASSI AND ITS BENEFITS
What is lassi or chaas?
Both drinks are yogurt based beverages, and both are drunk widely across the Indian subcontinent.
Is there a difference between chaas and lassi?
Yes. Lassi is thicker and richer than chaas. Lassi is made from yogurt, while chaas is made from buttermilk, or fresh curd yogurt diluted with milk. Chaas will often employ more spices, hence Shivani’s nickname for her version: namkeen lassi. “namkeen” means savoury snack.
Are there different varieties of lassi?
Yes. There are sweet lassi drinks made from fruit. Banana is perhaps the most popular with kids. Or even just sweetened lassi, which is yogurt sweetened with sugar. Salty varieties can feature curry leaf, cumin powder, fresh mint, fresh coriander, and cooking salts like kala namak.
What are the benefits of lassi or chaas?
The yogurt / curd base of lassi and chaas makes these two drinks powerful cooking agents in the heat of summer, particularly when combined with cooling spice (like pudina or mint). The salt aids in hydration and mineral loss in climates where fluid and mineral replacement are needed. They also have natural and powerful probiotic qualities.
KITCHEN HACKS
