Ready to expand your horizons and embark on a new culinary adventure but are hesitant of unfamiliar spices? Then this Indian strawberry lassi is the perfect recipe for you.
This yogurt smoothie has a delicious twist on a familiar taste, one that is perfect for sampling a brand-new cuisine for the very first time. It's mild and delicious but also refreshing, nutritious, and easy to make.
"Food is everything we are. It's an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It's inseparable from those from the get-go." - Anthony Bourdain
What is lassi?
Traditional lassi is native to the Indian subcontinent and is a savory drink, usually made with yogurt, water, and spices such as cumin.
Sweet lassi will replace spices with fruit or sugars. For this recipe, we will be making strawberry lassi with honey.
Strawberry lassi
If you’re a fan of the classic mango lassi, then this recipe will be just as delightful for your taste buds. Strawberries are a vibrant, sweet, and tangy fruit that is currently grown in every state in the United States and every providence in Canada.
Thank goodness, because strawberries can be used for countless recipes, and are downright delicious on their own.
This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors - not too tart, not too sweet. If you’re looking for a new way to use your strawberries, it’s time to try a lassi!
What ingredients are in Indian smoothie?
- Yogurt - I used full-fat Greek yogurt
- Strawberries - fresh
- Milk - you can use almond or other milk
- Dry chamomile leaves - preferably organic
- Almonds - blanched (see instructions below)
- Cardamom
- Honey
- Rosewater - optional
FAQ
HOW TO BLANCH (SKIN) ALMONDS?
- Boil water in a small pot.
- Add almonds into the boiling water for about one minute.
- Transfer almonds to a strainer and run under cold water, until cool.
- Give each almond a little squeeze – the skins will slip right off! You could also place them in a paper towel and then give them a good rub between your hand palms.
How to make yogurt and strawberry lassi?
*Keep scrolling to get the full (printable) recipe and ingredient amounts.
- Bring milk and chamomile to barely simmer, remove from the heat, and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Add the blanched almonds, yogurt, cardamom, rosewater if using, honey, and strawberries into a blender. Blitz until completely smooth.
- Muddle or mash with a fork the remaining strawberries and divide between two glasses. Top up with the lassi and serve. Enjoy!
The delicious twist I've mentioned above is in chamomile tea leaves: an element that has a delightful note to it and also adds several health benefits. Among these are: boosting your immune system, promotes gut health, and acts as a sleep aid.
Like most smoothie recipes, it’s a NUTRITIOUS drink and is adaptable to one’s preferences. Some people use agave nectar instead of honey; others prefer to use raw honey.
Some people use half the sweetener because they enjoy the tartness of the yogurt. Regardless of your preference, lassi is a great mid-day pick-me-up drink or a light dessert.
Other health benefits
There is also a long list of health benefits from strawberries, such as antioxidants, high vitamin C concentration, and fiber and high-quality protein from almonds as well. An all-around HEALTHY BEVERAGE!
Another powerful ingredient worth mentioning in this sweet drink is the cardamom spice. Like chamomile and strawberries, cardamom is on your team as it fights many of your body’s ailments, works as an anti-depressant, and improves heart health.
Layer all of these benefits together and you have one amazing concoction made up! Basically, if you’re looking for a delicious way to improve your overall health, this Indian yogurt smoothie - strawberry lassi can be your weapon of choice.
Other delicious strawberry recipes on All that's Jas to try:
- Strawberry Affogato
- Strawberry Oatmeal Cake
- No-Churn Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
- Mexican Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas
- Spanish Strawberry Gazpacho
Liked this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!
Indian Strawberry Lassi Yogurt Smoothie
EQUIPMENT
- Fine sieve or a cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, (you can use almond or other milk)
- leaves from 2 chamomile tea bags, preferably organic
- 16 blanched almonds
- 1 cup yogurt
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼-⅓ teaspoon rosewater, to taste (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoon honey, to taste
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and quartered, plus 6 extra for muddling
Instructions
- Put the milk and tea leaves in a saucepan set over a medium heat. Bring to just below simmering point, remove from the heat and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Pour the infused milk through a fine sieve or a cheesecloth into a blender (discard the tea leaves). Add the blanched almonds, yogurt, cardamom, rosewater if using, honey, and strawberries. Blitz until completely smooth.
- Muddle or smash with a fork the remaining strawberries and divide between two glasses. Top up with the lassi and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- HOW TO BLANCH (SKIN) ALMONDS:
- Boil water in a small pot.
- Add almonds into the boiling water for about one minute.
- Transfer almonds to a strainer and run under cold water, until cool.
- Give each almond a little squeeze – the skins will slip right off! You could also place them in a paper towel and then give them a good rub between your hand palms.
- Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
roseannmhampton says
This sounds like a delicious mix of flavors! Thanks for sharing with us at The Blogger's Pit Stop!
Jas says
Thank you so much!
April J Harris says
What a beautiful smoothie, Jas! I like the almond flavours too. I have had mango lassi before but I'd definitely like to try this strawberry recipe. Pinning and sharing. Hope you are having a lovely weekend!
Jas says
Thank you, April! I'm putting mango lassi on my to-try list. 🙂 xx
Mother of 3 says
I've never heard of a lassi but it sure does look delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.
Jas says
Thank you, Joanne! Hope you'll give it a try. 🙂
Linda S says
such interesting ingredients. I'm intrigued and now I'll have to try this. I'm glad you shared this week on our Encouraging Hearts & Home blog hop!
Jas says
Glad you like it, Linda! It has a mild, yummy flavor. xx
Balvinder says
I love lassi and strawberries both. That’s a wonderful way to combine them.
Jas says
I agree, it's super tasty 😀
Miz Helen says
What a great smoothie, just delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and sure hope you are having a great week!
Miz Helen
Jas says
Happy you like it! Thanks for stopping in 🙂
Lathiya says
I love lassi and this strawberry lassi sounds and looks delicious
Jas says
Such a yummy beverage, isn't it? Thanks for visiting, Lathiya!
Amy says
Wow, this looks delicious. I could use one of those about right now in this heat! Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make.
Jas says
It sure is refreshing. Thanks, Amy!
Life Diet Health says
Jas these flavours sound amazing together. Thanks for bringing it to Fiesta Friday.
Jas says
Thank you, Laurena!
berni says
this sounds divine. Plus its refreshing and healthy #brillblogposts
Jas says
Thank you! Happy you like it 🙂
Recipes Made Easy says
Ohh how timely I had some strawberry and rose lassi the other day and was thinking I really should make my own. Now I have a recipe, how handy! Thank you for linking to #CookBlogShare
Jas says
What are the odds, ha! Hope you give it a try, Jacqui! 🙂
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
Ooohh, this lassi just sounds brilliant! I love the addition of the chamomile tea leaves, and I'm ALWAYS a fan of strawberries!
Jas says
Thank you, my dear Michelle! So happy you like it 😀
passion fruit, paws and peonies says
This looks like a wonderful recipe, I'm so glad I happened upon it. I love the mango version xx
Jas says
Thanks, Maria! Mango version is my favorite too 🙂
An Ordinary Mom says
This looks interesting. I'm always looking for new drinks.
Jas says
It is quite special 🙂 Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping in.