Strawberry Lassi

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One of the best parts of living in the Bay Area are all the farmer’s markets. In my opinion, the most delicious strawberries come from farmer’s markets. The strawberries actually taste like strawberry-flavored candy!

Sweet, juicy, ripe strawberries have hit the stalls here in San Francisco now that they are in season and I can’t get enough! I buy three pints every week and gorge myself on them every chance I get.
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Lassi is a cooling, Indian yogurt-based drink that can either be sweet or savory. The savory version is spiced with toasted cumin powder and salt that pairs really well with spicy curries.

I actually prefer the savory version, but the sweet version is the most well-known. Sweet mango lassi is probably the most popular amongst non-Indians. It’s on every Indian restaurant menu in the United States.

I decided to update the traditional mango lassi by substituting the mango with strawberries. Lassi also typically has some sort of sweetener in it; however, the strawberries are so sweet this season that it wasn’t needed. If your strawberries are a bit tart, feel free to sweeten the lassi up with some honey or agave nectar.

I added a splash of rose water to my lassi because it’s pretty common amongst North Indians to add rose water to sweet lassis. The hint of cardamom really compliments the strawberries (berries + cardamom = AH-mazing!). In the end, you get a tart, floral, cold drink that is perfect for the summer.
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Not only does lassi taste great, it’s good for you. It’s a natural pro-biotic and aids in digestion. Growing up, my mom would have us drink lassi with meals that had beans or lentils in them in order to help with digestion.

You can even add a teaspoon of the currently popular spice,turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties.  Yogurt is also high in calcium and rich in protein, so this drink it truly a powerful health-boosting drink!

It was my mom’s secret weapon in getting my sister and I to eat something other than cheese puffs and sugar-filled treats – because who doesn’t love fruit-y smoothies?

You can make this lassi your own by substituting the strawberries with whatever fruit you like. Also you can pour the lassi into ice pop molds and freeze them for a delicious frozen treat!

Video Recipe Version of the Strawberry Lassi Recipe

I like to add saffron and cashews to my lassi sometimes to change up the flavor and texture. Pour your lassi in a tall, chilled glass, kick back your feet and enjoy the warm summer while you can!