Indian cuisine is as diverse as its people. Among the drinks or beverages consumed in India, lassi is quite popular. Lassi is known as the World’s 1st smoothie! This roots of this refreshing drink date back to the very beginnings of Indian civilization – 1000 B.C from Punjab (North India). Prized throughout India for its great taste and healing properties. It’s a wonderfully light, cool & creamy blend of yogurt, flavoured with the finest fruits and spices.
It is consumed by over one billion Asians throughout the world. With its smooth, cool and refreshing taste, it is the perfect accompaniment to the hot and spicy flavours that epitomise Indian cuisine. This traditional drink is economical and plentiful in India, where cows and buffalo provide an overflow of dairy-based recipes. Chilled lassi is an extremely effective summer refreshment.
Lassi was once the preserve of India’s Maharajas. It is mentioned in ancient Indian texts and was widely used in Hindu rituals. In old times, people would have lassi because they wouldn’t get hungry quickly afterwards; and they could wait until lunch to eat again. Tart and refreshing, lassi serves to cleanse the palate alongside spicier foods. It aids digestion and is a healthy addition to any balanced diet.
Lassi is 100 per cent natural and is free from artificial colourings, preservatives and flavourings. Besides offering health benefits, lassi is also indulgent and can be enjoyed with or between meals.
The traditional lassi is a salty yoghurt drink which has a thicker consistency as compared to buttermilk. It can be savoured with various spices and ingredients, but it almost always includes ground cumin powder.
There are many twists added to lassi nowadays. Sweet lassi is a recent invention, but has become immensely popular. Rose water is a common ingredient for sweet lassi and adds a sweet, perfumed aroma to it. Sweet lassi can be flavoured with fruits like mango, pineapple, banana, lychee, strawberry, etc.
Some WOW facts about Lassi:
- Lassi is called ‘Mahi’ in Nepal.
- Lassi has a great nutritional value; it contains fat, protein, lactose, calcium, phosphorus.
- With a little turmeric powder mixed in, it can also be used as a folk remedy for gastroenteritis.
- Regular consumption of lassi reduces the chance of your hair going white before time.
- Lassi is considered to treat insomnia as it is sleep inducing.
Lassi adds a twist to everything ordinary and make it extraordinary. It’s just like creating the most refreshing drink with the simplest of ingredients!
kakorikababs 