I got lost in a Google search time-suck. I really did have the best intentions. I was very fervently doing research for a Boston Cream Pie recipe when I stumbled upon the words ‘Salted’ and ‘Lassi’. Hm. Usually I find the word ‘Lassi’ paired with the word ‘Mango’, and I’m made to think of the too-thick-for-my-taste yogurt drink served at Indian restaurants. A Salted Lassi is totally a new addition to my culinary mind.
This yogurt-based drink is paired with fresh mint and cumin. Yea! Cumin! Get excited… this is actually really cool.
The mixture is blended until herby and smooth and them topped with a bit of sparkling water for serving. This drink is super fresh, easy to drink, and majorly refreshing. Paired with a super spicy chicken dish… seriously!? This was delicious enough to make me forget about Boston Cream Pie.
Ps. I like that we try new things together.
Pps. Maybe this Salted Lassi isn’t new to you… in which case, what other treats do you have up your sleeve!?
This savory lassi starts with simple and humble ingredients. I pulled together whole-milk yogurt, a big handful of fresh mint, whole cumin seeds, and a grey sea salt. We’re going to make these drinkable!
We use whole cumin seeds because we want to get the most flavor out of the spice as possible. Whole cumin is toasted in a dry skillet then crushed in a small spice grinder. I use this coffee grinder as a spice grinding situation and it works like a gem!
The fresh mint and yogurt combination makes this drink super tart and incredibly refreshing.
What is it about fresh mint that feels like a power herb?
Glasses are filled with ice and in goes the minty yogurt mixture. I filled the glasses halfway with lassi then topped them off with sparkling water and a sprinkling of salt.
In essence, what we’re talking about is a savory yogurt-based soda.
Are you giving me the raised eyebrow?
Allow me to suggest you grab a super spicy chicken kabob, pair it with this mega-refreshing soda, and call me in the morning.
These Salted Lassis are surprising and refreshing. The yogurt adds a creamy and tart element. The mint is bright refreshment. The cumin lends a grounding element to the bright and tart flavors. The salt makes things all around enticing. It really is delicious!
Oh! If you’re wondering, I found these glasses at a place called H.D. Buttercup here in Los Angeles… though I couldn’t find a direct link to the glasses.
Mint and Cumin Salted Lassi
makes 4 small or 2 large drinks
adapted from Susan Feniger’s Street Food
2 cups whole milk plain yogurt
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 to 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
For Serving:
Ice
Sparkling water
Coarse sea salt
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Place whole cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for one minute until fragrant and just slightly golden brown. Remove from skillet and grind cumin seeds in a spice grinder until powdered. If you don’t have a dedicated spice grinder, you can simply clean out your coffee grinder and go for it.
In a blender combine yogurt, water, fresh mint leaves, ground cumin, and salt. Blend until min is smooth, about 1 minute.
To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Fill the glass half full with blended yogurt mixture. Top with sparkling water, a sprinkling of salt, and fresh mint leaves. Serve.
prabha`
cumin in a drink that sounds awsum
Meena
Oh Joy, you make lassi look so frikkin deelicious. You should totally try this with a small knob of ginger thrown in; and some cilantro on top. FYI- I never did like mango lassi much, anyway.
Kay
It’s called ‘Chaas’ here in India. Try a coal smoked version Joy, you will love it :)
Amelia
Oh lassi after an Indian is the stuff dreams are made of!! I like plain, sweet lassi and of course mango for a fruity twist, but this sounds like it would be super refreshing! I’ve never thought of adding a fizzy element either! Thanks Joy!
Sushama
Hey Joy,
Nice to see the addition of Indian recipe in your blog :) I would like to mention one this here though, Sparkling water is not used In traditional Lassi but I love to drink this kind of combo. I would name it Lassi spritzer ;) !! Great blog !!
http://sushamaskitchen.blogspot.com/
Keep blogging :)
Jenny
The glasses are very pretty and totally make this drink look extra fancy.
Kate
How do you get your ice cubes to look so artisanal?
Shushmi
when i make lassi I always add a little brown sugar so you get a sweet and salty taste – but then I would leave out the cumin and just have mint and yoghurt and water. Its such a refreshing drink to go with spicy food. But if you dont like the thought of it as a drink you can always have raita – which is essentially a dip/ sauce made of yoghurt, cucumbers, chilli powder and garlic and cumin and salt.
Jourdie
No way! The timing of this is great. I left India two days ago after spending three months there. Salty lassi was totally a new discovery for me too. Other awesome Indian foods I didn’t know about before living there are paratha, a stuffed, whole wheat flatbread usually served for breakfast, and soan papdi, a sweet made of nuts, ghee, and crystallized sugar that’s a bit like the Middle Eastern dessert halvah, which is more common in the US. Totally worth checking out. Love you Joy; keep rocking the kitchen!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
Lassi’s are so ridiculously easy and tasty!! We always have it all through out summer. There’s a sweet variation too! I love making my lassi’s with black salt, cumin, chili powder and sometimes, a sweet variation of meyer lemons and honey!
Jayne
I love mango lassi. This is the first time hearing about the salted variety. I’m scared it’ll turn out weird.
Bee @ deux dilettantes
I love savory lassi and your recipe looks really good! It’s been so warm in Seattle these last few days that a lassi woud be very welcome. But I think I will add some cucumber. Cucumber, mint and cumin work generally quite well. I can’t wait to try!
Clara
This.is.amazing. And for some reason I feel the urge to say you go girl?
Kasey @ The Wit of the Staircase
Wow. Just wow. I can’t think of a more interesting way to usher in spring (finally). Also, this gives me an excuse to make some super spicy Moroccan food. Which… I need little persuading as it is.
Happy April Fool’s, lady!
<3 from Indiana
Asha
See, my dad always made salted lasso, but I wasn’t ever convinced. I’m all about the sugar. Until now… this mint and cumin thing could be… well… a thing. I have to wait til it’s warmer though. Right now in London am still waiting to thaw before I go near a cold drink.
Katy @ KatysKitchen
I always forget about the lassi when I am making smoothies. This one is so unique, it sounds so refreshing for spring. What a great way to use up my yogurt, can’t wait to try it.
spice
Most of the people outside India, or I should say outside North India, thinks Lassi means Mango Lassi….yes the kind served in restaurants….too thick to drink everyday. But as another reader above mentioned the part of world we belomg to it’s always salty(namkeen) lassi or meethi(sweet) lassi…. let’s put it this way mango lassi is commercialization of lassi. I’m from Delhi(North India) and summer time means lassi is part of b’fast & lunch. Salty version is with salt, bhuna(roasted) Jeera(cumin) & kali mirch(black pepper) and sweet version is with regular sugar.
K
O MG! This is the one summer drink I love with a capital L! Not with the sparkling water though, just regular water and ice.
Why do people think salted lassi is a joke? LOL. It’s the real deal in India :) I love my salted lassi. Like someone in the Facebook comments pointed out, salted lassi is kick ass with a hint of spice – try adding 1/2 a serrano pepper. Yum.
dixya@food, pleasure, and health
I have always liked savory lassi and this one with sparkling water is just a brilliant idea :) I surely will be making it soon :)
Ziba Khatibi
This looks delicious. I am Persian and this reminds me of a drink we always have around the house…Doogh. Here is a yummy recipe I found http://mypersiankitchen.com/doogh/
Mommypage
This sounds amazing! The drink looks so fresh and tasty. Great recipe idea!
Natasha
I used to work at an Indian restaurant in Santa Monica, and even though we had salted lassis on the menu, nobody ever ordered them. It was a shame, since they are so much better than the mango variety. I’ve never seen it made with sparkling water before, but your version looks good!
Rocky Mountain Woman
well i guess if you say so, i’ll try it….
Hiba
I had one of these just last night at an Indian restaurant. Amazing!
maya
I can’t believe people think this is an April Fool’s joke! As Joy correctly noted, this is excellent with spicy food. South Asians drink this to cool down (also it’s delicious.) I love, love seeing this on an American blog – thanks so much for posting about this Joy.
Edith
Come on, you just wanted an excuse to use those glorious glasses :D
Kayla
Sounds interesting. Not sure I can imagine what it tastes like.
Memoirs & Mochas
Catherine
Question: Do you use regular yogurt or Greek-style yogurt? If it’s for a beverage, my initial inclination would be to use the less thick regular yogurt but wanted to check to see what you used. Thanks.
joythebaker
i used a regular yogurt for this!
Catherine
This drink intrigues me so much that, though I really dislike cumin, I think I’ll try it; however, I will substitute cumin or another spice. I’m thinking coriander or cardamon. (Seems like I’m sticking with a “c” spice.) Any substitute suggestions?
I really like the idea of adding the sparkling water which seems like it’ll make the drink less heavy and more refreshing.
joythebaker
i think cardamom might be nice! it’s a strong spice, so go easy on it. i think you could also nix the mint and add fresh fennel and that would make a delightful drink as well!
Seanna Lea
I’m not a huge fan of savory drinks or salted drinks, so I will drink your mango lassi for you!
I don’t know why I’m not a huge fan, because I love pretty much all other savory (vegetarian) things. I must be defective. Maybe I’ll try a half batch next time I have mint just to make sure.
Mr. & Mrs. P
Very interesting!!! Dont think we have ever had cumin in a drink!
Jessica
My friend Waheed has an indian restaurant and lassi is part of the menu, but he makes them with cardamom and mango…delicious! i own a cupcake shop and i even did a lassi cupcake once..so good! :D
Sophie
There is a persian drink, doogh, that is very similar to this recipe, minus the cumin (http://honestcooking.com/2012/05/31/doogh-persian-yogurt-drink-recipe/). First time I tried it I was a bit septical but now I love it, specially with kebabs!
Megan
Wait… there’s no booze in these? :)
Cynthia-Ann
I woke up to find my mint plant had grown tremendously and I thought to myself:”Today’s mission is to find what to do with all this mint.” Well, Joy, I didn’t have to search for too long! I’ll try this today!
Sahar
This looks so good! I’m from Pakistan and lassi is a traditinal drink, typically sweet lassi is a breakfast drink and cold salted lassi is mostly consumed in the summer at lunchtime, but the additon of mint and cumin sounds great!
Tieghan
Whoa, that is on interesting drink! I NEVER would have though of that!
Deepa
Loooovvveeee salty lassi! The addition of sparkling water is new to me, I will definitely try it. I also like to add a little grated ginger and I throw in some whole roasted cumin seeds at the end. If you wanna try the sweet version without ending up in a diabetic coma, try my cherry lassi
http://onesmallpot.com/2013/02/04/cherry-lassi/
bakerkat
What an interesting find. It is good to try new things and I love those glasses.
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I know everyone is going to say it about 654 times, but those glasses are the business! Love em. Also, love this, yes and yes.
Cindy
Hahahahahahaha, I was most definitely giving you the raised eyebrow, when lo and behold, you called me out for it. Touche, Joy. Touche.
joythebaker
i know you.
Quinn Cooper
These seem essentially like an Indian take on a float. I’ve never heard of a Lassi let alone a salted Lassi. The flavor combo is very indian, but in a drink. Seems bizarre, but I am always open to trying new things.
Quinn Cooper Style
Ash
Quinn,
Lassi is simply buttermilk in India and Pakistan. In the summer months, we add cumin and salt to lassi and it’s delicious. We also add cumin, dried mint, salt, and red chili powder to our yogurt.
Kate Deck
April Fools?!? I’m usually down with EVERYTHING you make, Joy. This one I’m not so sure I can wrap my mind around. :)
joythebaker
wrap your mind… on the real!
Anna
The recipe sounds really exciting, thanks for sharing. I love cumin & luckily I have all the ingredients at home, so I’ll be in my kitchen …
Kirstin
Thank you for using whole-milk yogurt! When I stay with my mom, I can hardly ever find anything other than low-fat or fat-free yogurt in her suburban town, there should be a bigger demand for it!
Hannah
omg, revelation. I love lassis, but it always seems weird pairing a sweet one with a delicious savoury curry (maybe that’s just me). This would go together so much better imo!
Ash
Hannah, it’s weird for Indians as well! We usually don’t have sweet lassi with our meals. It’s more of a restaurant thing, then a part of our everyday lives.
rg
Its called doogh, traditional Persian drink without cumin and the supplement of soda water is instead of allowing the yogurt to Fremont.
Kiran
Absolutely beautiful photographs ..
In our part of the world (am from Pakistan) lassi is always either salty (salt & cumin – like the one you made) or sweet .. mango lassi is only available in season :) .. and its always topped with loads of cream at roadside joints .. and the cream is the real cream, the one where you boil whole milk and it separates into cream – packaged cream never has that authentic taste ..
i thought the addition of the sparkling winter is really interesting –
btw if you want to try some similar drinks from our part of the world – you should try Shikanjabeen (its basically fresh lemonade with crushed ice, loads of mint, some black salt and a little sprinkling of black pepper) or Kashmiri Chai (this is hot tea made from green tea leaves, but the method of cooking mades it pink in color, and you drink it hot with crushed almonds and pistacho’s) – have the recipe on my blog if you are interested :) ..
jo
I’m IN..I’ve never understood the soda crave in the States. I love anything that comes in a leaf :) Thanks..well done.
angela
I will try. non-drinkers need something interesting.
Hannah
Those zebra-stripe straws are so cute!
Ellen
God I love cumin. Rarely do I see blog posts with recipes that seem REALLY original and unique but this one stands out.
Though I love Street so I am not surprised to see that it stems from there. Next up I need to pay a visit to H.D. Buttercup, those glasses are divine.
Julie
I’m on an Indian food kick so this is perfect.
Miss Kim @ behgopa
Very interesting! I want a sip. It looks like it’d have a really refreshing taste to it. Your photos are always so full of charm.
Rue
I’ve been drinking a different version of this since I was little. No soda water, no ice cubes, but still thin, and with coriander leaves added in(that was my favourite part). It was a treat for when my mom or aunt made biryani, a dish I hated, but made bearable with a big glass of this lassi.
Poonam
this drink is something we usually keep around the house during summers. the thinner n savoury version is sometimes called ‘chaas’ instead of lassi (which is usually thick n sweet ). you could also use shredded coriander leaves instead of mint. they also do a version with tempered garlic n whole cumin seeds. its really good!
Jennifer
So is the drink savory or sweet or both really? Also your cute glasses look like Moroccan mint tea cups to me!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Cumin in a drink! That’s a new one to me! I love the big pretty mint leaves in this one, too!