The sun blazes high, shimmering over the city streets. It’s that time of year when the air feels thick with the afternoons stretching endlessly, and all you crave is something cool to sip on. The scorching summer heat often leaves us feeling drained, but the right drink, the one that’s refreshing and packed with natural goodness can be a true saviour.
While many reach for aerated sodas or sugary cold drinks, nothing beats the charm of homemade summer shakes that are fresh, natural, and bursting with flavours. To add more taste and visual appeal satisfactions, Chef Diwas Wadhera , Executive Chef, Eros Hotel, New Delhi adds his special element to the Mango Lassi Shake with a Twist. Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like the sweet, tropical flavour of mangoes! This delightful shake elevates the traditional Indian lassi with the rich, aromatic notes of cardamom and saffron, making it a truly refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup natural yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt for a dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup milk or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or jaggery (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of saffron strands
- A pinch of ground cardamom
- A handful of ice cubes
- Chopped pistachios, for garnish
Method:
- Prepare the mango: Peel the mango and chop it into small pieces. Ensure the fruit is fully ripe for maximum sweetness and flavour.
- Infuse the saffron: In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes. This helps to release their vibrant colour and delicate aroma.
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine the chopped mango, yoghurt, milk (or almond milk), honey or jaggery, ground cardamom, and the saffron-infused milk. Add a handful of ice cubes for a chilled and creamy consistency.
- Blend until smooth: Blend everything on high speed until you achieve a thick, velvety texture. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the shake into glasses and garnish with finely chopped pistachios for an added crunch and nutty flavour.
Special Chef Tip: Experiment with different spices, like cardamom or cinnamon, to create unique flavour variations.
