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.
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 https://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