Only 4 ingredients 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. Its known as namkeen lassi which translates into English as salted lassi.
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!
The ease of making lassi
Indian recipes don’t get any easier than salty lassi! 4 ingredients 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 on the other hand. 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 to get a thicker consistency.
Rising in popularity
So, why is lassi so popular? Some of the Salted Lassi benefits include a cooling effects on the stomach. It also has the good bacteria that help “oil” the intestine and the Gastrointestinal tract in general.
Additionally, it acts as a re-hydration 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 it 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!
Tips for making this lassi
The key to this recipe is the cumin. If you can find roasted cumin powder, use that. Roasting cumin brings out all its intensity.
The yogurt is also homemade in this recipe. I use whole milk because it produces the best yogurt ever. It gives yogurt a dense and thick texture.
Making yogurt is as easy as boiling 2 cups of milk, letting it cool to room temperature. Whisk a 1/2 tsp of full fat yogurt, cover and let it stay overnight.
For the instant pot version of making yogurt, The Foodie Affair has a step by step post.
🍅 Handy Tip: Always use whole milk yogurt to make lassi. It gives a thicker texture. Whole milk is also the less processed of the milks.
How to make cumin powder
You can also add a freshly roasted cumin powder to add to this lassi. It’s really easy to make.
- Heat a small skillet pan at medium heat.
- Add 2 Tbsp of cumin.
- 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 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.
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 pototoes, Palak makhani and bhindi aloo. If you find Indian food too spicy, Lassi takes away most of the heat.
Of course, lassi is not complete without kachumber on the side.
Try this other drink recipes
- adding watermelon to your lassi.
- Beet lemonade
- tropical fruit smoothie
- frozen caramel macchiato
- 5 ways to drink water in the summer
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.
Pin image:
Loved your sweet lassi recipes and look forward to trying this.
That’s really amazing! I think it’s so easy to prepare which makes it perfect especially during the summer. I love yogurt and I don’t mind giving this a try!
Thank you, Carol. I am so happy to hear from you.
I love lassi, especially mango but I’ve never actually tried making one. But after yours I have a good excuse to make one for myself. Yum!
Thank you, Jennifer. I Love mango lassi too
I can see how this drink could benefit everyone during the hot summer months when we sweat a lot. I have to work at keeping drinks handy for the kids too so they don’t get dehydrated while playing their sports. I need to make a batch of this to take to their next game.
Thank you, Terri. Its a challenge to keep kids hydrated in the summer. I am so glad you like this drink.
I never heard of this and I love Indian food! Time to try this out.
I love Indian food and often I will order these lassi drinks! I’ve never thought to make it on my own though!
Thank you, Karissa
I have never tried a Lassi! I think I may have to though. It does seem quite easy to make.
I have never heard of lassi, but will have to try your recipe. Looks like a unique recipe, thanks so much for sharing.
Lassi is not something I have heard of before nor tried but I am quite curious right now. Thanks for the recipe
I love lassis on warm summer days! Typically I add fruit to mine, but am excited to give yours a try as well. With only a few ingredients that I typically have on hand, I’m sure it’s going to be easy to make, as well as delicious!
Thank you, Ali. I love adding mangoes to lassi. So refreshing in the summer
I tried a Mango Lassi for the first time and loved it. I can’t wait to try your version!
Thank you, Sandi. Mango Lassi is my second favorite lassi!
I have to admit I don’t think I’ve had salted lassi before, but if it is good for cooling the stomach and rehydrating it is definitely something I am open to trying.
This drink looks really good. I am not sure what the cumin would taste like so I need to try it and see.
This sounds really interesting I have heard of it before. I also love that you make your own yogurt to use in it.
I never taste it before. But this looks like a delicious drink at breakfast.
I am all about simple recipes with minimal ingredients! This Salted Lassi sounds absolutely delightful!
What an interesting drink. Does the cumin make it spice?
Thank you, Tara. I don’t think so, but, I have also come to realize that people have different levels of spice tolerance. I think you can add just half of the amount and see how you like it. It shouldn’t be too spicy.
Mmmmm! It sounds so refreshing! Here it’s 9:30 at night and still 103 eek! I think I need to get busy and get this in the fridge, it sounds deliscious! Also I love the idea of roasting the cumin too, I’m sure that brings out a ton of flavor. My friend Michelle ships me cumin from New Mexico because it’s so amazing. Maybe that’s why?
Thank you, Debra. The heat is just as bad here in Florida. I make sure I always have a cool, refreshing drink in the fridge. New Mexico makes cumin powders. I think Southwestern cuisine tastes amazing with their homemade cumin.
Lovely post Rini. We seem to share love for lassi.
Our breakfast is not complete without Lassi/ chcach. It has a cooling effect on stomach. We add pudina powder also to it.
Thank you, Nidhi. We love Chash around here
Just love the name. Slaty Lassi. Sounds like a fun date! LOL
Thank you, Peter. I see what you did there. “Slaty” instead of “Salty”, HAHA. Yes, definitely sounds like an interesting date.