Punjabi Sweet Lassi
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਲੱਸੀ
Punjabi Sweet Lassi is one of India's most refreshing and beloved drinks — a thick, frothy, sweetened yoghurt-based drink that originated in Punjab and has been consumed in the region for thousands of years. Punjabi lassi is distinctive in its thickness (it is much thicker than any watered-down restaurant version), its layer of malai (clotted cream) on top, and the generous flavouring of cardamom and rose water. At legendary lassi shops in Amritsar (like Gian di Hatti) and Ludhiana, the lassi is served in terracotta cups so wide and deep that finishing one feels like a life event. It is the essential summer drink of North India and the perfect accompaniment to any heavy meal.
- Total
- 10 min
- Serves
- 2
- Level
- Easy
Prep 10 min
Ingredients
Method
Combine yoghurt, cold milk, sugar, cardamom, and rose water in a blender. Add half the ice cubes. Blend on highest speed for 2 minutes until completely smooth, frothy, and thick. The froth is the signature of a good lassi.
About 5 min
Tip: The key to a frothy lassi is blending for a long time — the air incorporation is what makes it light despite being thick.
Taste and adjust sugar. Pour into large glasses over remaining ice. The lassi should be thick enough to leave a coating on the glass. Top each glass with a generous spoon of malai (clotted cream). Garnish with crushed pistachios and a pinch of cardamom powder.
About 3 min
Tip: Full-fat, strained yoghurt is the secret to real lassi thickness. Watery yoghurt makes a thin drink.
Serve immediately in chilled glasses. Traditional Punjabi lassi is served in wide-mouthed, terracotta or steel glasses — the wider the glass, the more room for malai on top. Drink slowly to appreciate the creamy, cardamom-perfumed flavour. Best consumed in summer or after a heavy meal.
About 2 min
Tip: Some places add a thread of saffron on top of the malai — this turns a good lassi into a royal one.
Nutrition per serving (estimate)
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 16 g
- Carbs
- 54 g
- Fat
- 17 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
- Sugar
- 52 g
- Sodium
- 220 mg
Contains: dairy
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Recipe by Boon Tools.