If you’re seeking a refreshing drink that perfectly balances sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of exotic spice, look no further than this Creamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe. This luscious beverage brings together the cooling richness of Greek yogurt, the bright natural flavor of fresh strawberries, and the warm aromatic notes of cardamom to create a delightfully smooth and invigorating treat. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, yet it feels like a special indulgence every time you sip it. Whether you’re cooling off on a warm day or want to impress friends with a unique, homemade drink, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays a crucial role, from adding creaminess and sweetness to delivering vibrant flavor and a beautiful pink hue.
- 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt: Provides that luscious creaminess and a protein-packed base that makes this lassi satisfying and smooth.
- ½ Cup Milk: Lightens the yogurt’s thickness while blending everything seamlessly for a perfect drinking consistency.
- 15 Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: These bring natural sweetness and a lovely, fruity tang along with their vibrant color.
- ¼ Teaspoon Cardamom Powder: Infuses the drink with warm, floral spice that elevates the flavors beyond the ordinary.
- 3-4 Teaspoons Sugar or Honey: Adjust this to your taste preference to balance sweetness perfectly against the tartness of the yogurt and strawberries.
- Ice Cubes (Optional): Add if you want your lassi extra chilled and refreshing on a hot day.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries
First, if you’re using fresh strawberries, rinse them well and remove the green stems. For frozen strawberries, no thawing is necessary, which can even help make the lassi chilled without needing extra ice.
Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients
Place the Greek yogurt, milk, strawberries, and cardamom powder into your blender. This combination forms the heart of your Creamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring all the strawberries break down into a luscious pink mixture.
Step 3: Sweeten to Taste
Add the sugar or honey slowly while blending, tasting as you go. This allows you to personalize the level of sweetness to complement the natural tartness of the yogurt and the richness of the cardamom.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
If you want a cold and refreshing experience, toss in a few ice cubes before the final blend or serve the lassi over ice in glasses. This final touch makes it perfectly thirst-quenching, especially on a sunny afternoon.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle a pinch of ground cardamom or place a sliced strawberry on the rim of each glass. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely aroma and a pop of green that complements the pink beautifully.
Side Dishes
This lassi pairs wonderfully with light snacks like spiced nuts, grilled paneer, or samosas. It can also be a cooling counterpoint to spicy meals, bringing balance and refreshment to your dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the lassi in sparkling glasses or mason jars with colorful straws for a festive touch. You can also layer it with crushed nuts or a drizzle of honey for added texture and visual appeal. These creative touches make your Creamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe feel like a special treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover lassi, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this lassi isn’t recommended, as the yogurt may separate and change texture once thawed. For best results, prepare fresh each time or keep leftovers chilled.
Reheating
This recipe is designed to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, allow it to come to room temperature naturally before drinking, but it’s truly best when cool and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt?
While you can, it’s best to stick with plain Greek yogurt for this recipe. It provides the right balance of tanginess that complements the strawberries and cardamom without adding extra sweetness or overpowering flavors.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, like coconut or almond yogurt, and use a plant-based milk alternative. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How do I adjust the sweetness without sugar?
Honey is a great natural alternative that works beautifully with the flavors here. You could also try maple syrup or agave nectar. Taste as you blend to find the perfect level of sweetness.
Can I make this lassi without cardamom?
Yes, but cardamom adds a lovely fragrant warmth that truly elevates the drink. If you must omit it, consider adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle spice note.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries are an excellent substitute. They’re often picked and frozen at peak ripeness, so they maintain great flavor and color. Using them also makes the lassi ice cold without needing to add extra ice cubes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s the perfect sip when you want to refresh yourself with something that’s bursting with flavor and just a little bit unexpected. Give it a try and I’m sure this luscious, fruity, and spiced concoction will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—you’ll want to make it again and again!
PrintCreamy Strawberry Lassi with Cardamom Recipe
Strawberry Lassi is a refreshing and creamy Indian yogurt-based drink blended with fresh strawberries, cardamom, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a cooling beverage on warm days, it combines the tang of yogurt with the natural sweetness of strawberries and aromatic cardamom for a delightful flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ Cup Milk
- 15 Fresh or Frozen Strawberries
- ¼ Teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- 3–4 Teaspoons Sugar or Honey
- Ice Cubes (Optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly. If using frozen strawberries, allow them to thaw slightly for easier blending.
- Add Ingredients to Blender: In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt, milk, strawberries, cardamom powder, and sugar or honey. Add ice cubes if you prefer a chilled drink.
- Blend the Mixture: Blend all ingredients on high speed until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no strawberry chunks left.
- Serve: Pour the strawberry lassi into tall glasses. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cardamom powder or a strawberry on the rim for an elegant touch.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or honey based on your taste preference.
- For a thinner consistency, add more milk; for a thicker lassi, reduce the milk amount.
- Using frozen strawberries helps to chill the drink without needing ice cubes, which can dilute the flavor as they melt.
- This recipe can be made vegan by substituting dairy yogurt with plant-based yogurt and using plant-based milk.