She Strengthens

Revamp Your Mealtime with a Refreshing Twist on a Classic Drink

When you think of mango lassis, you might imagine a thick, sweet beverage that’s more like a milkshake than a drink. But what if you could enjoy a lighter, more refreshing version that complements your meal instead of overpowering it?

A Savory Take on a Traditional Favorite

Chef Susan Feniger, formerly of Street restaurant in Los Angeles, has created a unique spin on the traditional Indian yogurt drink. By infusing it with fresh mint and cumin, and adding a splash of sparkling water, this lassi becomes a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

The Secret Ingredient: Indian Black Salt

One key component of this recipe is Indian black salt, also known as kala namak. This sulfurous-tasting salt is commonly used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and adds a distinct flavor to the lassi. Despite its name, Indian black salt is actually a brownish-pink color when whole, and light purple or pink when ground. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.

Easy to Make, Easy to Enjoy

This recipe yields 8 drinks and takes only 15 minutes to prepare. With just 9 ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these refreshing lassis in no time.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Ice
• 3 cups sparkling water, chilled
• Toasted cumin seeds
• Finely ground Indian black salt, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Blend the Lassi

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If you’re not serving immediately, refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Step 2: Serve and Enjoy

Fill a glass with ice, add 5 ounces of the lassi, and top with 3 ounces of sparkling water. Stir gently to combine, and garnish with cumin seeds and black salt if desired. The perfect accompaniment to any meal!