Indian Lassi

Have you ever considered taking a trip around the world and stopping in India along the way? If so there are a few things you should know before visiting. Know that a majority of the world's population can be found in India and most of these people live in severe poverty called slums. In these slums the inhabitants work day in and day out and usually settle down for the night right next to their jobs, which are under paid and often arduous in nature. Sadly in the middle of most slums is where the sewage of the residents are dumped giving the area a rather distinct smell. But what is perhaps the most important thing to know about India and especially the slums is that the place is alive with fascinating characters, culture, and cuisine! One such example of a unique culinary custom is to blend curry and yogurt into a smoothie called the Lassi.

Here is a stylized picture of the Lassi drink. Curry is not the only flavor it comes in of course. There's Marsala, Mint, Mango, and a whole bunch of other fruits. The trend is that the drink is either sweet or salty. You're probably wondering why anyone would want to drink a yogurt smoothie with curry in it, it's okay so was I. Then I found out why, its because during the summer the peppers in the curry make you sweat which will in turn cool your body, while in the winter the heat from the peppers will warm your body. A cool way to beat the whether if you ask me.

 The drink you see in the picture above is something you would find in a restaurant. On the other hand, the drink you see being made on the right is what you would find on the street and is, in my opinion, the more authentic of the two options. This picture shows a man pouring his freshly made Lassi into cups probably getting ready to sell them to bystanders. He makes the drink and sells it right in the same area. He does this all with rudimentary tools but at the same time more than likely a masters touch as this job is probably is way of living.

Here's a video on how to make the drink for yourself, and below is a written out recipe for three different variations of the drink that comes from Annie Almekinder.

 Cardamom Lassi
Ingredients: 
1 container of yogurt
1/2 cup water (chilled)
3 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
Pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
Ice cubes as required
Finely chopped pistachios and almonds for garnishing

Method: 
In a blender blend yogurt, water, sugar and cardamom powder until smooth and frothy. If you like it extremely cold add icecubes while blending. To serve, pour in glass and garnish with some sliced pistachios and almonds.

Marsala Lassi
Ingredients:1 container of Yogurt 
1 tsp Cumin (Jeera) Powder (roasted) 
1.5 teaspoons of Marsala
A pinch of Salt 
50 ml Water

Method

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth. To serve, pour in glass and garnish with a little cumin powder.

 Mango Lassi

Ingredients1 container yogurt
1 can pureed mango
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or less, depending on sweetness of the mango)
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Method 
In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. To serve, pour in glass and sprinkle a little cardamom for garnish, and serve immediately.

Reflection: While I did not enjoy the taste of this drink, I did in fact enjoy learning more about the culture of the Indian people. They definitely have it pretty tough over there which puts my life into perspective. As far as making this drink for my family goes...Yeah I don't think they would enjoy it either so this is one thing I wouldn't make for them. But if I were to make it, it would be pretty simple. Here are some photos of me and my group making it for my Aim Hei class:

Our tools and ingredients. Notice the simplicity of it all.



















Just mix in the blender what you have and then blend it of course.

After the blending is done you can either drink it right then and there or you can add some ice and make it a little cooler. The choice is entirely up to you, enjoy.