Lassi ~ an Indian health benificial drink for summer

Lassi or buttermilk drink is a popular and traditional Indian drink, originated in the state of Punjab. It is made of Yoghurt with water, salt, sugar, pepper and flavoured with spices. Different flavours of lassi are also made using different seasonal fruits. Lassi can be salty or sweet. Lassi is enjoyed chilled with ice cubes during hot summers and it's a real thirst quencher. 

So, if you havn't tasted them, chill with this great tasting refreshment in this summer and at the same time, gain the benefits of Yoghurt which it is made of.

"Consuming yoghurt after a meal helps burning body fat and it helps body digesting food

more efficiently"

Health benefits of Yoghurt :

• Yoghurt is a dairy product which is rich in Potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins(B12). It is a great source of Calcium for lactose intolerant people, as there is very little lactose present in it and instead it contains the digestive enzyme, lactas. 

• The most outstanding benefit of yogurt comes right from the unique way yogurt is made. Yoghurt is simply milk or cream that is cultured with active live cultures. These cultures are the key to many of yoghurt’s health benefits. Active live cultures are basically good bacteria that are necessary for the body to function at its best. These good bacteria prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause bacterial infections and diseases. Healthy levels of good bacteria also promote digestive health and boost the immune system. Good bacteria prevent imbalances in the body’s yeast levels, which can prevent various types of yeast infections. It has been shown that good bacteria can also prevent urinary tract infections. If you are taking antibiotics, they may be destroying the good bacteria present in your body. Eating yoghurt regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels. Active live cultures actually reduce yoghurt’s level of lactose, making yoghurt a delicious dairy alternative for anyone who is lactose intolerant. 

• Yoghurt Strengthens and stabilizes the immune system. 
• Yogurt Lowers LDL, Raises HDL Cholesterol 
• Calcium rich yoghurt signifivantly increases body fat loss, boost the body's ability to build bone, helps prevent and heal Arthritis.  
• For Fresh Breath and a Healthy Mouth, Eat Yogurt

Almost every summer afternoon after lunch, I prepared some varieties of lassi and enjoy the goodness yogurt.

Sweet & Sour Lassi :  

Ingredients :
Non-fat natural yoghurt : 11/2 cup
Water : 1/2 cup
Lemon Juice : 3 tbsp.
Lemon Zest : 1/2 tsp.
Sugar : 4 tblsp. (to taste)
Roaster cumin powder : 2 tsp.
Red chilli powder : 1/2 tsp.
Salt : 1 tsp.
Few saffron stands

Method :

• In a blender, put yoghurt, water, lemon zest & juice and salt and blend until it forms some foam for about 3 minutes. Add sugar according to your taste and blend again. Lassi in ready to serve.
• Pour in a glass, drop few ice cubes, sprinkle a pinch of roasted cumin powder, chilli powder and 3-4 saffron stands.

Relax in an outdoor setting and enjoy the refreshing cool drink.

Watermelon-Strawberry Lassi :

 
Ingredients : (For 3-4 servings)
Non-fat yoghurt : 1 cup
Water : 3/4 cup
Strawberry : 3/4 cup
Watermelon(seedless): 1 cup
Sugar : 2-3 tbsp. or as per taste
Salt : a pinch
Ice cubes for serving

Method :

• Cut strawberries and watermelon in pieces.
• Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until frothy. 

 Orange & Pistachio Flavoured Lassi :

 

Ingredients : (yields 3-4 servings)
Yoghurt : 2 cups
Orange : 1 (deseeded and chopped)
Water : 3/4 cup
Pistachio nuts: 6-7
Sugar : 3-4 tblsp.
Salt : a pinch
Saffron strands : few

Method : 

• In a blender, take all the ingredients and blend until frothy. 
• To serve, pour over crushed ice and sprinkle some saffron strands over it to decorate.

So, what are you waiting for...use your imagination and make combos with any fruit and enjoy this health 


beneficial drink right away.