Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Mango Lassi with Kefir because it takes only a few minutes to prepare. The ripe mango brings plenty of natural sweetness, while the kefir provides a tangy contrast that keeps the drink from tasting overly sweet.
I also like how adaptable this recipe is. I can use fresh or frozen mango, adjust the sweetness, add warming spices, or blend in extra liquid to create exactly the consistency I prefer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- Plain kefir
- Honey or maple syrup
- Ground cardamom
- Cold milk or water, as needed
- Ice cubes, optional
- Pinch of salt, optional
Directions
1. Prepare the Mango
I peel the mango, remove the pit, and cut the flesh into chunks. When I use frozen mango, I let it soften for a few minutes if necessary so that it blends more easily.
2. Add the Ingredients to the Blender
I place the mango chunks, kefir, honey, and ground cardamom in a blender. If I want a thinner lassi, I add a splash of cold milk or water.
3. Blend Until Smooth
I blend everything on high speed until the mixture becomes completely smooth, creamy, and slightly frothy. I stop and scrape down the blender when needed to make sure no pieces of mango remain.
4. Adjust the Flavor
I taste the lassi before serving. If my mango isn’t particularly sweet, I add a little more honey. I can also add another small pinch of cardamom when I want the spice to be more noticeable.
5. Serve
I pour the Mango Lassi with Kefir into chilled glasses and serve it immediately. When I want it extra cold, I blend in a few ice cubes or use frozen mango.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 2 servings from this Mango Lassi with Kefir recipe.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Blending time: 2 minutes
- Total time: about 7 minutes
- Servings: 2
I find this recipe especially convenient when I want a quick drink because there is no cooking or lengthy preparation required.
Variations
Coconut Mango Lassi
I add a splash of coconut milk instead of regular milk or water. I like the subtle coconut flavor alongside the sweet mango and tangy kefir.
Mango Banana Lassi
I blend half a ripe banana with the mango. This makes my lassi thicker, sweeter, and even creamier.
Saffron Mango Lassi
I soak a small pinch of saffron in a spoonful of warm milk before adding it to the blender. I use this variation when I want a more aromatic lassi.
Ginger Mango Lassi
I add a small piece of peeled fresh ginger before blending. The ginger adds a lightly spicy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the mango.
Extra-Spiced Mango Lassi
I add a small pinch of cinnamon along with the cardamom. I keep the amount small so the spices complement the mango rather than overpower it.
Storage/Reheating
I think Mango Lassi with Kefir tastes best immediately after blending, when it is cold, creamy, and frothy. If I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container or covered jar and refrigerate them for up to 1 to 2 days.
Some separation can naturally occur during storage, so I stir or shake the lassi thoroughly before drinking it. I can also blend it again briefly to restore its smooth texture.
I don’t reheat Mango Lassi because I serve it cold. If it has been sitting at room temperature for an extended period, I prefer not to save it because kefir is a perishable dairy product.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for Mango Lassi with Kefir?
Yes. I often use frozen mango because it makes the lassi naturally thick and cold without requiring much ice. If the mixture becomes too thick, I add a little milk or water while blending.
What type of kefir should I use?
I prefer plain, unsweetened milk kefir because it allows me to control the sweetness of the finished drink. I can then add honey or another sweetener according to the sweetness of my mango.
Can I make Mango Lassi with Kefir without added sugar?
Yes. When I have a very ripe, naturally sweet mango, I often skip the honey entirely. I taste the blended lassi first and only add sweetener if I think it needs it.
Why is my Mango Lassi too thick?
The amount of liquid in mangoes varies, and frozen mango can make the drink particularly thick. I simply blend in a small amount of cold milk or water until I reach the consistency I like.
Can I prepare Mango Lassi with Kefir ahead of time?
Yes. I can make it several hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, I prefer it freshly blended because the texture is lighter and frothier. If I prepare it ahead, I shake, stir, or briefly re-blend it before serving.
Conclusion
Mango Lassi with Kefir is a quick and refreshing drink I love making when I have ripe mangoes on hand. The combination of sweet fruit, tangy kefir, honey, and fragrant cardamom creates a creamy drink with a bright and balanced flavor.
I can keep the recipe simple or customize it with coconut, ginger, saffron, banana, or additional spices. Since it comes together in just a few minutes, I find it an easy choice for breakfast, an afternoon drink, or a cooling accompaniment to a meal.
PrintMango Lassi with Kefir
A creamy and refreshing mango lassi made with sweet mango, tangy kefir, honey, and fragrant cardamom. This quick blended drink is smooth, lightly frothy, and ready in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- Plain kefir
- Honey or maple syrup
- Ground cardamom
- Cold milk or water, as needed
- Ice cubes, optional
- Pinch of salt, optional
Instructions
- Peel the mango, remove the pit, and cut the flesh into chunks. If using frozen mango, let it soften for a few minutes if necessary for easier blending.
- Add the mango chunks, plain kefir, honey or maple syrup, and ground cardamom to a blender. Add a splash of cold milk or water for a thinner consistency.
- Blend on high speed until completely smooth, creamy, and slightly frothy, stopping to scrape down the blender as needed.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness with additional honey or maple syrup if needed. Add another small pinch of cardamom or a pinch of salt if desired.
- Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately. For an extra-cold lassi, blend in a few ice cubes or use frozen mango.
Notes
- Plain, unsweetened milk kefir works well because it allows the sweetness to be adjusted according to the ripeness of the mango.
- Frozen mango creates a naturally colder and thicker lassi. Add a little milk or water if the mixture becomes too thick.
- For a coconut variation, use coconut milk as the additional liquid.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh ginger, cinnamon, saffron, or half a ripe banana.
- Very ripe mango may provide enough natural sweetness to omit the honey or maple syrup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 days. Stir, shake, or briefly blend again before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg