Strawberry Lassi

Updated: Feb. 27, 2025

Basic Information

• Total Time: 10 minutes

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (includes measuring and ingredient preparation)

• Cook Time: 5 minutes (blending time; no stovetop cooking required)

• Servings: 2–3 glasses

Overview

A vibrant, creamy twist on the classic South Asian lassi, this Strawberry Lassi balances tart frozen strawberries with sweet maple syrup, aromatic cardamom, and smooth whole-milk yogurt for a refreshing, nutrient-rich beverage. Ideal as a breakfast staple, post-workout pick-me-up, or light dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (473 ml) plain whole-milk yogurt (preferably South Asian dahi for authentic tanginess; regular plain yogurt or strained Greek yogurt work as alternatives)

• 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste; substitute honey or agave if preferred)

• ¼–½ teaspoon kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal; enhances flavor depth)

• 4 green cardamom pods, seeds removed (crack pods to extract seeds; discard shells)

• 1½ cups (≈8 oz/227 g) frozen whole strawberries (no prior thawing needed; use fresh strawberries, roughly chopped, for texture variation)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Ingredients

• If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly (optional but improves blending efficiency).

• Crack open cardamom pods over a small bowl to collect seeds; discard pods. Crush seeds gently with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release aroma (not necessary, but intensifies flavor).

Step 2: Blending the Lassi

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender (e.g., Vitamix, Blendtec, or standard blender with a blade attachment).

• Blend on low speed initially, then gradually increase to medium-high (30–60 seconds total).

• For a smooth, creamy texture, blend until the mixture is completely uniform with no visible strawberry chunks.

• Adjust consistency: If too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and blend again. If too thin, blend an additional 10–15 seconds to thicken.

Step 3: Serving

Pour the lassi into chilled glasses. For extra refreshment, stir in 1–2 ice cubes before serving. Optionally, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice, a sprinkle of cardamom powder, or a mint leaf.

Expert Tips

• Cardamom Enhancements: Replace fresh seeds with ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom or 5–6 drops of cardamom extract (e.g., from specialty retailers).

• Fruit Swaps: Substitute strawberries with frozen mango, peach, or pineapple. Add ½ cup fresh spinach for a nutrient boost (users report "wonderful complexity").

• Texture Control: Greek yogurt produces a thicker lassi; South Asian dahi (strained yogurt) creates a lighter, more traditional consistency.

• Sweetness Fine-Tuning: Reduce maple syrup to 1 tablespoon if using ripe strawberries; increase to 4 tablespoons for sweeter profiles.

Customer Reviews

• "In the summer, I make this with cantaloupe and sometimes add fresh spinach for a nutritious twist—it tastes better than you’d expect!"

• "We used a Vitamix and loved this recipe—it’s authentic in flavor and texture!"

• "Cardamom extract worked beautifully! Skip the pods and add 5 drops for aromatic depth."

• "Two cardamom pods = better balance than four; less intense but still fragrant."

• "10 oz frozen strawberries + 1 TBS maple syrup = perfect sweetness. Great morning start!"

• "Greek yogurt + fresh strawberries + ice = creamy, not too thick. A splash of rosewater adds a floral kick!"

Final Note: For best results, use a high-speed blender to ensure a velvety texture. Store leftover lassi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (it may thicken slightly; stir with 1–2 tablespoons water before serving). Enjoy!