I realize that this drink isn’t going to necessarily appeal to all of you out there. Most of the lassi I’ve had in the past are sweet, fruit-based yogurt drinks; this Nepali version takes a decidedly more unexpected approach with the addition of salt and cumin.
When I was younger I never understood why salt was an ingredient in baked goods and never bothered to add it myself. I finally saw the error in my ways- a touch of salt adds depth to desserts in a way that no other ingredient can. And it was chanh muối, Vietnamese salted lemonade, which made me appreciate the beauty of a salty drink on a humid day.
Perhaps this will be the drink that converts you… give it a shot on a hot and sticky summer day when you’re craving something icy and refreshing.
Nepali Lassi
Yield: 2-3 servings
Ingredients:
* 2 cups plain or Greek-style yogurt
* 1 cup milk
* leaves from 2 sprigs fresh mint
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* sprinkle salt
* 2 cups ice
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately.