Vegan Mango Lassi Recipe is a refreshing drink. It’s great for summer. You can make it vegan easily. Use plant-based yogurt. I’d recommend coconut yogurt for creaminess. Remember to blend it with ripe mangoes. It’s a good idea to add a dash of cardamom. Homemade mango lassi is a delight.
Why Does It Work?
- Vegan mango lassi uses ripe mangoes, which are perfect for a natural sweetness.
- Plant-based yogurt makes it accessible to everyone, promoting inclusivity.
- Adding a pinch of cardamom enhances the flavor, making it unforgettable.
- It’s a homemade treat, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Ideal for cooling down on hot days, providing a delicious escape.
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Craving a refreshing drink but struggling with dairy sensitivities or a vegan diet? Finding a delightful beverage that fits your lifestyle can often feel limiting. Enter the vegan mango lassi, a creamy, dairy-free twist on the traditional Indian drink.
This version uses coconut milk and yogurt to achieve the same smooth texture and tangy flavor as its classic counterpart, without animal products.
The vegan mango lassi satisfies your thirst and provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, perfect for warm days or a sweet finish to a spicy meal. Discover how easy and enjoyable it can be to incorporate this exotic, nourishing drink into your daily routine.
What Is Vegan Mango Lassi?
Vegan mango lassi is a dairy-free version of the traditional Indian drink. It blends ripe mangoes with plant-based yogurt. This version is great for those who don’t consume dairy. It keeps the classic’s creamy texture and sweet, tangy flavor. Cardamom or saffron can be added for extra taste. It’s a refreshing choice, especially in warm weather.
Fact– Mango lassi, often enjoyed in India and globally, is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to mangoes. The vegan version offers these nutrients without dairy, making it healthier.
Recipe Directions
- Combine mango, a smaller amount of coconut milk, coconut yogurt, and lime juice in a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend on high until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
- Taste the lassi. Adjust the flavor by adding honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) for sweetness, lime juice for acidity, coconut yogurt for thickness and tang, or coconut milk to thin the mixture if desired.
- Serve immediately as is or enhance with a swirl of coconut yogurt. Garnish with fresh chopped mango, shredded coconut, and lime wedges for extra appeal.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. Though it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Consider freezing it as ice cubes or popsicles for a delightful treat!
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
- Spices: Elevate the flavor with spices. Cardamom is traditional, yet cinnamon or nutmeg can offer a unique twist.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer natural sweeteners, agave syrup or date paste are excellent vegan choices.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder for a nutritious boost. It’s great for a post-workout refreshment.
- Tropical Twist: Incorporate pineapple or banana for a tropical flair. These fruits blend well with mango.
- Berry Version: For a berry variant, mix in strawberries or raspberries. The berries add vibrant color and tanginess.
- Nutty Note: A spoonful of almond or cashew butter can introduce a nutty flavor and make the lassi more filling.
- Seeds: Chia seeds or flaxseeds can add texture and omega-3 fatty acids. Mix them in after blending for a slight crunch.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Carrots: Their sweet, slightly earthy flavor can blend nicely with mango, especially when cooked and softened beforehand. Carrots also add a vibrant color similar to mango.
- Beets: Cooked and pureed beets can introduce a deep, rich color and earthy sweetness to the lassi. Start with a small amount so as not to overpower the mango.
- Spinach: For a green boost, a handful of spinach can increase the nutritional value without significantly altering the taste, thanks to its mild flavor. It’ll change the color, though.
- Avocado: Although technically a fruit, avocado’s creamy texture can substitute some or all of the coconut yogurt, adding healthy fats and a smooth, rich consistency.
- Cauliflower: Steamed and chilled cauliflower florets can be an unexpected addition, providing creaminess and body to the lassi without a strong vegetable taste.
- Zucchini: Mild-flavored and water-rich, zucchini, when peeled and blended, can add volume and creaminess without detracting from the mango flavor.
Quick Tip– Soak cashews overnight and blend them into your lassi for an extra creamy vegan mango lassi. This adds richness and boosts the protein content, making it more nutritious.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegetable Samosas These crispy pastries filled with spiced vegetables are a delightful contrast to the sweet lassi.
- Cucumber Raita (Vegan) This cool, tangy side dish is made with dairy-free yogurt and cucumbers. It is perfect for balancing spicier dishes.
- Chickpea Salad A refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemony dressing pairs well with the sweetness of mango lassi.
- Spiced Potato Wedges Oven-baked potato wedges with Indian spices offer a savory counterpoint to the lassi’s creaminess.
- Grilled Vegetables Charred veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant have a smoky flavor that complements the fruity lassi.
- Lentil Soup A lightly spiced lentil soup can be a warming and comforting start, leading nicely into the cool lassi.
- Quinoa Tabbouleh This light and lemony salad adds a fresh and herby contrast to the sweet and creamy lassi.
How To Serve?
- Chill the Glasses: Place your serving glasses in the fridge before serving. A chilled glass keeps the lassi cool, enhancing its refreshing taste.
- Garnish Wisely: Add a garnish that complements the flavors. A wedge of lime, a sprinkle of ground cardamom, or a few mint leaves on top can elevate the look and taste.
- Use Fresh Mango Slices: Decorate the rim of the glass or float a thin slice of mango on top for a hint of elegance and an immediate indication of the drink’s main flavor.
- Add a Swirl: If you’re adding a dollop of coconut yogurt, swirl it gently into the lassi before serving for a visually appealing marbled effect.
- Include a Straw or Spoon: Depending on the thickness of your lassi, providing a straw or a small spoon can help guests enjoy every last drop.
- Serve Immediately: Vegan mango lassi is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after blending to ensure the best texture and temperature.
Quick Tip– Add a few mint leaves or a splash of rose water to your vegan mango lassi for an extra refreshing twist. It introduces a fresh, aromatic dimension that’s delightfully surprising.
Storage & Make Ahead
Storage
- Refrigerate: Pour the lassi into airtight containers or mason jars. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Beyond this, it might start to separate or lose its vibrant flavor. Shake or stir well before serving.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the lassi in an airtight container or divide it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer bag. Frozen lassi can last for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator or blend cubes directly for a slushy texture.
Make Ahead
- Prep Ingredients: Chop the mangoes and measure the other ingredients in advance. You can store the chopped mangoes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for longer periods.
- Partial Blend: Blend the mangoes with lime juice and store this mixture in the fridge. When ready to serve, blend with the remaining ingredients for a quick and fresh lassi.
Fact– Mangoes, the key ingredient in mango lassi, are a rich vitamin C and antioxidant source. These nutrients support immune function and skin health, making mangoes delicious and beneficial.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use Frozen Mangoes: Pre-cut frozen mangoes save peeling and chopping time. They also help chill the lassi without needing extra ice.
- Pre-measure Ingredients: Measure out your plant-based yogurt, lime juice, and any sweeteners or spices beforehand. This way, everything is ready to blend when you are.
- Blend in Batches: If you’re making a large quantity, blend in batches to keep your blender from overworking and to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Prep Ahead: For even faster preparation, blend the mangoes ahead of time and store the puree in the fridge. When you’re ready, just mix it with the other ingredients.
- Simplify Garnishes: Choose simple garnishes that don’t require much prep, like a sprinkle of cardamom or a mint leaf, to add a touch of elegance without extra work.
- Use a High-Speed Blender: A high-powered blender can quickly and efficiently handle frozen fruit, reducing the overall blending time.
Refreshing Vegan Mango Lassi To Beat The Summer Heat
Vegan mango lassi is a dairy-free version of the classic Indian drink, blending ripe mangoes with plant-based yogurt for a creamy, sweet, and tangy beverage. Enhanced with a hint of lime and optional sweeteners, it’s a refreshing, nutritious choice, perfect for cooling down on warm days or as a delightful treat anytime.
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Ingredients
2 cups 2 Frozen ripe mango
1/2 – 1 cup 1/2 – 1 Coconut milk (Can use store-bought boxed or light canned)
1/4 cup 1/4 Plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt (Culina recommended store-bought)
1 tbsp(Plus, there is more to taste) 1 Lime juice
2 tsp 2 Honey or maple syrup (Use only if your mango isn’t sweet enough; use maple syrup for a vegan option)
For Serving (Optional)
Lime wedges
Shredded unsweetened coconut
Chopped fresh mango
Directions
- Prep Ingredients: Start by gathering your ingredients. Measure 2 cups of frozen ripe mango, 1/2 to 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/4 cup plain unsweetened coconut yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. If your mango isn’t sweet enough, have 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup ready.
- Combine Ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the frozen mango, a smaller amount of coconut milk (start with 1/2 cup and adjust as needed), coconut yogurt, and lime juice.
- Blend: Blend the mixture on high until it is creamy and smooth. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor if necessary to ensure everything is well combined.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the lassi. You can adjust its flavor by adding honey (or maple syrup if you’re keeping it vegan) to sweeten, more lime juice for extra acidity, additional coconut yogurt to enhance thickness and tang, or more coconut milk to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Pour the lassi into serving glasses. If desired, enhance each serving with a swirl of coconut yogurt on top for a marbled effect. Garnish with fresh chopped mango, a sprinkle of shredded unsweetened coconut, and a lime wedge to elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Serving glasses
- Knife
- Cutting board
Notes
- Mango Selection: For the best flavor, use ripe mangoes. Frozen mangoes are convenient and ensure your lassi is cold without needing ice, which can dilute the flavor.
- Coconut Milk: Starting with a smaller amount of coconut milk allows you to adjust the consistency to your liking. Light canned or boxed coconut milk works well, but full-fat coconut milk is excellent for a richer lassi.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Depending on the sweetness of your mangoes, you may not need additional sweetener. If you do, maple syrup is a great vegan option that complements the mango flavor.
- Lime Juice: Adds a refreshing tang. Start with the suggested amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Serving Suggestions: For an eye-catching presentation, garnish with lime wedges, shredded coconut, or fresh mango. Swirling in coconut yogurt before serving adds a beautiful visual effect and extra creaminess.
- Storage: Vegan mango lassi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to a month. Freezing it in ice cube trays is a quick, cool treat on hot days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Vegan Mango Lassi Nut-Free?
You can make this lassi nut-free by ensuring that the coconut milk and yogurt you choose are produced in a facility that doesn’t process nuts. Always check the packaging if you have a severe allergy. Consider adding a drop of almond extract for a nuttier flavor without actual nuts.
Is It Possible To Make This Recipe Without A High-Speed Blender?
Absolutely. While a high-speed blender ensures a smooth texture, you can use a regular or food processor. You might need to blend the mixture for longer and pause occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well combined.
How Can I Make My Vegan Mango Lassi Thicker?
Increase the amount of frozen mango or coconut yogurt for a thicker lassi. You can also add a small amount of chia seeds to thicken the texture. If you choose to use chia seeds, let the lassi sit for a few minutes after blending.
What If My Mango Lassi Isn’t Sweet Enough?
If your lassi is less sweet than you’d like, add more maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan). Another option is to blend in some ripe bananas, which adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
Can I Use Mango Pulp Instead Of Fresh Or Frozen Mango?
Yes, mango pulp is a convenient alternative to fresh or frozen mango. However, canned mango pulp may contain added sugar, which could affect your lassi’s overall sweetness and nutritional content. Adjust any added sweeteners accordingly.
