Sweet Lassi Recipe Indian Yogurt Drink

This creamy sweet lassi (meethi lassi) is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in under 5 minutes with just a few ingredients. It combines homemade yogurt, whole milk, sugar, and cardamom powder to create a refreshing and delicious drink. Traditionally, It is served in a tall steel glass with a thick layer of malai (fresh cream from boiled milk) on top. I remember drinking a lot of sweet lassi as a child at Punjabi dhabas during our summer holiday road trips on the National Highways in India. But in the USA, the most popular lassi is mango lassi, which is available in most local Indian restaurants. Also, check out my strawberry lassi recipe.

What is Lassi?

Lassi (pronounced luh-ssi) is a popular, and traditional yogurt-based drink, sweet or salty, from the Indian subcontinent. It is made by blending yogurt with water (or milk), sugar or salt, and flavorings like ground cardamom, roasted cumin powder, etc. In India, the most popular lassis are the sweet lassi, sweetened with sugar, and the salty lassi, flavored with salt and spices. Lassi is commonly served in most Punjabi homes as a side with breakfast or a meal. It is also a staple on the menu of most North Indian restaurants and dhabas. Traditionally, it is made with a handheld wooden churner (mathani) or wire whisk in a large pot. However, you can use a regular blender or an immersion blender to make it. The traditional Punjabi Lassi is simple, but it can be adapted to so many variations.

Rose Lassi - Made with fresh yogurt, sugar, and Rooh Afza (rose syrup). Fruit Lassi - Made with fruits, yogurt, milk, and sugar. Try adding the fruits like bananas, peaches, strawberries, and mango. Dry fruits Lassi - Made with fresh yogurt, milk, sugar, and dry fruits like pistachios, almonds, and anjeer. Chocolate Lassi - Made with fresh yogurt, milk, sugar, and chocolate syrup.

Punjabi Sweet Lassi Recipe Ingredients

You need only three main ingredients to make creamy, sweet lassi at home. The other ingredients are optional.

Plain Yogurt: Use thick, homemade whole-milk yogurt for the best results. You can also use store-bought yogurt. Greek Yogurt also works well in the recipe, add more water to thin it out. Milk (or Water): You will need a liquid to thin out the yogurt. Use chilled whole milk for a creamier lassi. For a lighter lassi version, use 2% milk or water. Note: if the yogurt is too sour, use chilled milk instead of water. Sweetener: Traditionally, raw cane sugar is used. Feel free to use your favorite sweetener of your choice. Ground Cardamom: Optional. I like to flavor the sweet lassi using cardamom powder. If you don’t like cardamom, you can also use rose water for the lassi. Ice cubes: Optional. It helps to chill the lassi and thin it out a bit. Garnish: Optional. You can add slivered nuts like pistachios, crushed dried rose petals, or saffron strands.

How to Make the Perfect Sweet Lassi at Home

You can make this Punjabi sweet lassi recipe in two ways: with a blender or without a blender. I am sharing how to make sweet lassi at home using both methods.

Using Blender

Add all the ingredients: homemade yogurt, chilled milk (or water), sugar, ground cardamom, and ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Adjust the consistency to your preference by adding more milk (or water) or blending in some ice cubes. Pour the sweet lassi into serving glasses and top with slivered nuts, and dried rose petals. Serve immediately.

Without Blender (Traditional Method)

Add 2 cups of plain yogurt to a large bowl. Using a handheld wooden churner (mathani) or wire whisk, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy. Then add ½ cup of chilled milk (or water), powdered sugar, and cardamom powder. Whisk vigorously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is frothy. Serve immediately.

Storage Suggestions

You can store the leftover sweet lassi in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days in an airtight container. Serve Lassi as a refreshing drink during the daytime on hot days or serve it as a drink or dessert after an Indian meal. If you are planning to make it ahead and enjoy it later, add ice cubes while blending to maintain its freshness and chilliness.