Mango Lassi

Mangoes are one of my all-time favourite fruit. However, it was a different experience to eat one in London. In India, mangoes are only available seasonally, and I used to get so excited when the season was near. I would keep asking mum and my siblings, “when will we have mangoes” and I was told to be patient. Patience isn’t one of my most vital attributes, so I drove my mum and brother up the wall. As as soon as the mangoes were available, he would get some.

As we didn’t have a fridge/freezer, My brother would get the mangoes fresh every morning and put them in icy water from the hand water pump.

After a few hours in the cold water, the mangoes were ready to eat, and we would all sit together as a family to eat them. Most of us liked to suck the mangoes instead of cutting them and the juice flowing down our elbows. It was just a fantastic feeling, and the smell and taste of mangoes were terrific.

The very ripe mangoes used to be kept to make mango pulp for the Lassi.

Mangoes are available in the Uk, but it’s never the same by the time they get here. I have got used to eating Mangoes in London. I can’t wait to go to India and Pakistan and relive the memories of my childhood.

My favourite mangos are Pakistani Chunsa and Indian Kessar, which are usually available in Indian grocers. I get mine from Tooting regularly.

I try to use fresh mangoes for the pulp whenever I can. In the UK, it’s not always accessible to source fresh mangoes, so Canned pulp can also be used, but it does contain a lot of sugar. So if you watching your sugar content, it’s best to use fresh mangoes or experiment with a pinch of salt or Honey.

Lassi is usually consumed during, or after a meal and is claimed to aid digestion and cool down the body in the heat.

It is essential to use yoghurt with Live cultures to get the full benefits.

Ingredients

• 250 Grams Mango Pulp or very ripe sweet mangoes . Mango pulp is widely sold in Indian grocers and most super markets
• 250 Grams Organic Greek Yogurt
• 500 Ml Whole Milk ( can use pasteurised or vegan alternative)
• Ice (optional)

Method

Put all the ingredients in a blender and whizz

Enjoy with a big smile on your face.