Sweet and Salted Lassi

LASSI IS A LIGHT AND TRADITIONAL YOGHURT-BASED DRINK. IN INDIA, THIS COOLING BLEND OF YOGHURT, WATER, SPICES AND SOMETIMES FRUIT IS A POPULAR BEVERAGE TO HAVE ON SUPER-HOT DAYS OR AS AN ACCOMPANIMENT TO SPICY DISHES. LASSI CAN ALSO BE REFRIGERATED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS BEFORE SERVING.

MAKES 2–3 GLASSES | PREPARATION TIME: 5–10 MINUTES

SALTED

FRESH

600g chilled natural yoghurt

SPICES

1½ teaspoons toasted cumin seeds, coarsely crushed

1 teaspoon black salt or salt

PANTRY/LARDER

7–8 ice cubes, crushed

DECORATION

5–6 mint leaves, finely shredded

1. In a jug, whisk together the yoghurt, 250ml chilled water, cumin (reserving a little for the decoration) and salt and mix together until smooth and frothy.

2. Pour into a tall glass and decorate with mint and the reserved cumin.

Sweet

FRESH

350g natural yoghurt

125ml water or cold milk

SPICES

large pinch of ground cardamom

small pinch of saffron threads, soaked in a little warm water

1 teaspoon rosewater

PANTRY/LARDER

2 tablespoons sugar

7–8 crushed ice cubes

DECORATION

1 tablespoon mixed crushed pistachios and blanched almonds

1. In a jug, whisk together the yoghurt, ground cardamom (reserving a little for the decoration), saffron, rosewater, sugar and water or milk until smooth and frothy.

2. Pour into glasses and decorate with crushed nuts and the reserved ground cardamom.