HMMMMM.  Mango Lassi, so tasty and so good for you (gluten-free, low fat and everything!).  Growing up when the summers were super hot and the Mangoes were ripe, it was a perfect combination for enjoying this refreshing drink.  The local yogurt was tart and the Mangoes sweet and my mom would add some spices to make the mixture just right.  We never got a big glass to drink.  It was always too small and we drank it slowly to make it last, tilting the glass all the way up and getting a Mango Lassi Moustache in the process.  I still love how it makes me feel just to take a long sip. And I still try to make my glass of Mango Lassi last, kind of like the last day of summer!

Here’s the recipe:

Spiced Mango Lassi

2 ripe Mangoes, cubed

1 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt (I like Greek yogurt, but it will make it more tart)

5-6 ice cubes

2-3 tablespoons of the Simple Syrup with spices (you can add more or less, it’s up to you)

Simple Syrup with spices

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

2 sticks of Cinnamon

5 whole cloves

5-6 Green Cardamom pods, crushed (use skins and seeds for the syrup)

To make the syrup:

Place water, sugar and spices in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Boil a minute or so until all the sugar is dissolved and the spices release their aromas.  Strain the syrup and pour into a glass mason jar to store.  This syrup is fantastic.  I not only use it for this recipe but for making Peach ice tea, Ginger Peach Ice tea,  or just adding a little to my regular hot tea.  It’s a wonderful addition to keep in the fridge.  If you’d prefer not to use any processed sugar, you can make simple syrup with honey, just add a little lemon juice to the mixture to keep it from crystallizing.

To make the Lassi:

In a blender put the ice in first, then add yogurt, Mangoes and the simple syrup.  Blend for a few minutes until smooth and serve immediately!