Lassi is a Pakistani and Indian yogurt drink made with yogurt, milk, ice, and sugar. This is a traditional Plain Sweet Lassi recipe with the PERFECT ratios. It also has a secret ingredient which gives it an extra creamy, refreshing texture.
Behold, the original smoothie of South Asia…Lassi.
If you’re not familiar with lassi, it’s a traditional Indian and Pakistani (specifically said to be Punjabi) drink made from blending yogurt with water or milk.
Lassi is popular in the summer, but to me, it’s kind of like ice cream – very appropriate year-round. There’s nothing quite like downing a warm plate of halwa poori or nihari with an utterly refreshing glass of lassi.
There are hundreds of variations of lassi (it’s very much hit or miss at restaurants), and it can be sweet, salty, or fruity. I had recently shared a pina colada version with my subscribers and on Instagram, when I realized I haven’t yet shared the best lassi recipe I know of – my brother-in-law’s!
My Favorite Lassi
When I first tasted his version, I was taken aback by how creamy and well-balanced it was. (I’m not sure I really liked homemade lassi until I had his.) It was cooling. It was refreshing. It was perfect!
That’s when I discovered he had a secret ingredient – heavy whipping cream.
Though a small amount is used, it helps transform this lassi into something extra special.
That, and the ratios. My brother-in-law describes the recipe as something like, “half a tub of yogurt, less than a third of the heavy whipping cream (the small box), lots of milk, and lots of sugar.”
Like him, most people don’t use a recipe when making lassi, but I find it’s all in the ratios. This became even more evident to me when I recently tested many versions with my family. Using the same ingredients, slight variations in quantities yielded different results.
Of course, you can adjust the recipe to taste, but I tried to be intentional about the ratios. The ice serves to properly chill the lassi and slightly dilute the yogurt. The milk thins it out while adding balance and smoothness. The heavy whipping cream amplifies the creamy base (a must for a good lassi). The consistency is not too thin or thick. The taste is not too sweet or too tart. For me, the ratios are perfect.
If you try this lassi, please let me know! Leave a comment or share it with me on Instagram. It always makes my day to see you try my recipes!
Pakistani Plain Sweet Lassi
This lassi recipe has the perfect ratios to yield the best consistency and taste! It's naturally gluten-free and can be prepared in minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quality, whole milk yogurt
- 1/2-1 cup ice cubes (8-10 small cubes), depending on how cold you prefer it
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp + 2 tsp cane sugar*, or as desired
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Serve immediately.
Notes
*Any sweetener of choice may be used. I generally stick to organic cane sugar, but I also love it with raw brown sugar, which gives a wonderful malt taste.
*Use less sweetener if using less ice!
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Whole milk, whole milk yogurt, heavy whipping cream? Heart attack waiting to happen.
I disagree but to each his/her own. 🙂
This was a wonderful tasting Lassi! Thank you for sharing!
So glad to hear that! Thank you!
Hello
I am wondering if you can help me please?
When I make salun (curry of any sort) it never quite tastes right…. I don’t know what I am doing wrong. I use onions, tomato’s (fresh or tinned), garlic, cumin, haldi, chili powder, salt and crushed coriander seeds for the masala
Also, when you make rice (pilua) what size of cup is used for the rice? I read on recipes 2 cups or 3 cups etc. but never says what size cup
Thank you
Cup is actually a measurement. Also, I’m not sure exactly what could be wrong. If you try any of the curry recipes from the blog, I’m sure it’ll be helpful. 🙂
One cup liquid is equal to 236.588 milliliters. Cup is a volume measure, though one cup water is 8 ounces.
Thank you!