I am a big fan of authentic ethnic foods: this past weekend I had top-notch sushi, fabulous tacos and a steaming bowl of pho. Cinco de Mayo may not be celebrated enough today (Ok, …I might need to have a watermelon margarita), but at least I got my taco fill this weekend. Trying new foods is a great way to experience culture. Sometimes when I try to recreate things from these experiences, they aren’t as close to the real thing as I would like. While I love going out and supporting my favorite local joints, I also love trying to learn how they make things so delicious.
Against all odds, this mango lassi smoothie recreated from my favorite Indian buffet restaurant was delicious, refreshing, and slurped down in probably 30 seconds. I have made it several times since thanks to the wonderful mangos in the grocery store- I hope you are finding some on sale too!
While mangoes are a pain to peel, the sweet mango flesh is delicious blended with plain yogurt, a bit of agave, and a pinch of cinnamon. I just cut off the ‘cheeks’ of the mango and cube the flesh, slicing it off with a knife. Then I hack at the other soft parts and try not to lose to much juice.
Of course, I also get the pulp stuck in my teeth as I suck on the mango pit. It’s very elegant. I think my version of a creamy and sweet mango lassi is a lot healthier than the sugar-laden versions at your local Indian restaurant, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much.
- 1 champagne mango (about ¾ cup pulp)
- 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
- Pinch cinnamon
- Milk to taste
- Chop up your mango, removing the skin, and add it to a blender with the other ingredients.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk for a thinner smoothie, and add more agave nectar or honey if your mango is not extremely ripe and sweet.
Slurp to your heart’s desire. Are you having Mexican food tonight? What’s your favorite food from another culture? I used to love pad thai but after our trip to Vietnam, I am loyal to good pho and bun noodle bowls.
Marisa
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I had Mexican food LAST night instead…Cuatro de Mayo? Of course, I have an avocado sauce/dressing that I used liberally this evening, which might count. 🙂 I love mangoes, and I love a mango lassi. I have to say, though, that the best mango drink I ever had was in Costa Rica, where the mangoes were so sweet and succulent that drinking straight puree was the most delicious “smoothie.”
Marisa says
Quatro de Mayo is also definitely a holiday if you can’t wait! I also made a Greek yogurt/avocado sauce last night. Now I want to throw that in with my mango lassi! Ripe mangoes are a dream come true- I’m jealous of your Costa Rican experience!
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
Confession: I’ve never had a mango. I mean I’ve had mango flavored things and I’ve even thrown frozen mango into smoothies but I’ve never actually peeled a mango. Weird? I’m thinking so….
Marisa says
Come over here and I will feed you mango ASAP. I cannot believe you have never peeled a mango. Let me do the hard work for you so you can enjoy some fresh mango!
Jessi says
Now I’m sad that I just got home from Trader Joes and I didn’t get a mango! Sigh. A day behind!
Marisa says
Next time! You can also get frozen mango chunks so you’re always prepared 🙂
Lauren says
I just drank a mango lassi on Tuesday night and it was delicious! When I looked at the ingredient list my eyes bulged – cream. sugar (no wonder it was so good!) I started brainstorming ways to make it healthier and it looks like your recipe nailed it! I will definitely be trying. Thanks for sharing!
Marisa says
They are soo good, but crazy what goes in there! Most restaurants use a mango puree that is chock full of sugar already and then all the other stuff gets added. Let me know how it turns out for you and make sure to grab a ripe mango!