Only 4 ingredients are needed to make this restaurant-style Salted Lassi. Cumin powder, salt, water + yogurt whipped together to get the perfect restaurant lassi in just 10 minutes
Lassi is a very popular Indian yogurt drink made by mixing yogurt and water. It’s known as namkeen lassi which translates into English as salted lassi. It has tangy and salty flavors that satisfy any thirst.
It takes less than 10 minutes to make this restaurant lassi recipe and it is the most refreshing drink, especially during the hot summer days! In India, this drink is drank almost every day.
The ease of making lassi
Indian recipes don’t get any easier than salty lassi! 4 ingredients are brought together by whisking and bam! You have a heart-healthy drink!
Ten minutes later, you are sitting on your porch with a tall glass of this lassi in one hand and a romantic novel in the other. It has healing properties that will cool you from the inside out.
You could come to my home at 2 am on a Saturday morning and you would see a huge jar of this lassi sitting pretty in the fridge. There is never a time in our home when there is no lassi.
👩🍳 Substitution tip: To make vegan lassi, use unflavored vegan yogurt and add a Tbsp of vegan sour cream for a thicker consistency.
Rising in popularity
So, why is Lassi so popular? Some of the Salted Lassi benefits include cooling effects on the stomach. It also has good bacteria that help “oil” the intestine and the Gastrointestinal tract in general.
Additionally, it acts as a rehydration agent for those who are dehydrated. One glass can make a big difference!
For me, I love salted lassi for its cooling effect. Florida is known for its theme parks, but, it is also known for its unrelenting, overbearing summer heat!
A glass of this lassi after being in the oppressive heat is exactly what I need. It cools me from the inside out! I always drink out of these (affiliate link) mint julep glasses because they are so cool but you can use any serving glass!
Traditionally, the yogurt is whipped using (Affiliate Link) a mathani.
❓ Answering Common Questions
They are very similar, but there are some subtle differences. Curd is not as thick as yogurt and has more of a consistency of lassi. To understand more, check out this article from India Times.
I use whole milk because it produces the best yogurt ever. Making yogurt is as easy as boiling 2 cups of milk, and letting it cool to room temperature. Whisk a ½ teaspoon of full-fat yogurt, cover, and let it stay overnight.
Yes, it’s very easy. The Foodie Affair shows you how to make yogurt in the Instant Pot.
No, sweet lassi has a sweet taste. It’s made with a sweetener like sugar, powdered sugar, or honey. Namkeen lassi uses salt.
If you can find roasted and ground cumin powder, use that. Or, you can dry roast cumin seeds at home (see recipe below). Regular cumin powder is easy to find on (Affiliate Link) Amazon and grocery stores in the spices aisle.
🍅 Handy Tip: Always use whole milk yogurt to make lassi. It gives a thicker texture. Whole milk is also less processed than all other milk types.
Instructions to make cumin powder
You can also add a freshly roasted cumin powder to add to this lassi. It’s easy to make.
- Heat a small skillet pan at medium heat.
- Add 2 Tbsp of cumin seeds.
- Roast for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly so that it doesn’t burn.
- Let it cool for a minute.
- Place the roasted cumin in a coffee grinder (a wooden churner or spice-grinder will work too) and grind it up to a fine powder. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind them yourself.
👩🍳 Substitution tip: Can find cumin powder? It’s easy to make it at home. Roast cumin for 2 minutes and then coffee grind them or use a mortar and pestle.
How to make salted lassi
- Traditionally, lassi is made in (Affiliate Link) steel pavalis, but you can use a glass bowl. Put the yogurt in it.
- Add the salt, cumin powder, and 1 cup water to the yogurt.
- Use a hand blender to gently blend this ingredients.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the lassi and use a wired whisk to mix it all up. This will add a frothy top.
- Pour it into a serving glass or mint julep glasses and serve. To make it colder, add ice cubes.
What to serve with lassi?
Lassi is a drink that is had with any meal. Many households even have it at breakfast. I always serve it with peanut rice and basmati rice.
It goes so great with main course meals like Bombay potatoes, Palak makhani, and bhindi aloo. If Indian food is too spicy, Lassi takes away most of the heat.
Of course, lassi is not complete without kachumber on the side.
Want a variation of the salty lassi? Try a watermelon lassi, mango lassi, or strawberry lassi
Substitions and additions
- Use rose water instead of salt for a more aromatic lassi drink.
- Use kala namak (black salt) instead of regular salt.
- Saffron will add a nice color to the lassi.
- Garnish with cilantro (AKA coriander leaves) or fresh mint leaves.
- Black pepper to add a little kick.
- Cardamom, chaat masala, ground ginger, and/or garam masala to make masala lassi.
More drink recipes to try
Sharing is caring
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Salted Lassi Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups yogurt Use plain, whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp cumin powder (roasted cumin powder is better)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the yogurt
- Add the salt and cumin powder
- Mix with a spoon
- Add the water to the bowl
- Using a whisk or hand blender, mix the ingredients on low speed
- Mix until it is frothy
- Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 1 hour
If you need to serve immediately, add ice cubes
Nutrition
Version 1 of this recipe
Did you do a double-take? Occasionally, I will revisit previous recipes and do a makeover on them. You probably came to this page based on this photo. It was made with vegan mayo. However, I decided to re-vamp the recipe and bring you the new version you see above. I think you will like it.
Pin image:
Fantastic! My first time making a savory lassi but it turned out perfect.
Thank you, Sharon
This is such a refreshing drink during the hot summer. And love those glasses!
Thank you, Carol
This was so good!
Thank you
This was so delicious! The recipe was simple to follow, and it was a big hit. Can’t wait to make it again!
Thank you
This was so quick and easy to make, thank you!
Thank you
Looking for a unique and refreshing drink for hot days? Try this India Yogurt Drink Salted Lassi. With only 4 ingredients you will have a relaxing drink instantly.
Thank you, Sharina
Your recipe was easy to follow, plus it was delicious. I’ve been searching for a lot of recipes on how easily I can make this Salted Lassi. Luckily, I came across your recipe! Such a lifesaver!
Thank you, Janice
I love this! I’m always looking for new ways to flavor my lassi, and this one is such a refreshing way to do it. I love the texture and consistency of the drink, too—it’s just thick enough to be creamy without being heavy.
Thank you, Jane
I love lassi but had no idea how easy it was to make!! I made it this morning and it was so good 🙂 thank you for the recipe and all the details!
Thank you, Aline
I love how easy this is to make! And it’s even easier to drink. I have to watch my sugar intake so many summery drinks are off limits. This salted lassi is the perfect way to cool off.
Thank you, Jessica
I would love to know where did you get the lassi glasses from ? They look so chic! Thanks
Thank you, Sophia. These glasses are my favorite too. I got them from Amazon. Here are similar cups from Amazon. This is my affiliate link – https://amzn.to/41pOQZw
Wow, this is probably the easiest recipe I’ve ever seen
Thank you so much 🙂