TAKING YOUR TASTE BUDS TO INDIA

"Juicing Tuesday"



Mango Lassi

     A refreshing drink to have on a nice day.  Finally, the weather is inching up to warmness to feel like spring!

     Mango Lassi is a popular non-alcoholic chilled yogurt base beverage in India and South Asia.  It is normally ordered as a dessert because it is a sweet drink.  But it can be made with salt and spices.

     Lassis originated in Punjab, northern region of India and gained popularity to various regions and countries.  I knew I had to try my hand at making this beverage.

     My instructional journey of a good Mango Lassi...

Shopping List

Appliances:

Blender, Mortar & Pestle, small Stainless Steel Pan, and Coffee Grinder or Spice Grinder.



Coffee Grinder



Ingredients

• 2 riped mangos
• 1-1/2 cup of coconut milk (depending on how thick or thin you would like your texture)
• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt (you can substitute for regular plain yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt)
• about 17-20 green cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon of raw honey (can substitute for raw agave, raw stevia, or raw coconut nectar) *depends on sweetness you like, just keep in mind mangos are sweet.
• 1 sprig of fresh organic mint (optional)

**Tip: You can add ice or use frozen mangos

*Secret Power Ingredient

  

 *The most expensive honey and has a powerful natural antibacterial that needs a UMF rating grade to be called the true legit Manuka Honey.  The major component in the honey is methylglyoxal (MG) (this compound is not found in most types of honey, but small quantities).  The higher the concentration of MG the stronger antibiotic effect it gives.  In order to be considered potent beneficial a minimum rating of 10+ UMF - at this level or above marked as UMF MANUKA HONEY or ACTIVE MANUKA HONEY.

It will cost you $26.99 and higher a jar.  If you are lucky, sometimes it goes on sale at health food stores.  Manuka Honey is rarely sold at local supermarkets.  This jar was a gift from my dad.  I love getting gifts of exotic specialty spices and rare foods that are hard to find.  Manuka has the greatest healing power.

What is "Manuka Honey"?

 Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees in which they pollinate the manuka flower bush. 

Why is "Manuka Honey" super beneficial?

• Repair damaged tissue by bacteria infection.
• Anti-Inflammatory action.
• Prevent and treat cancer.
• Eye, ear, and sinus infections.
• Gastrointestinal problems - stomach and peptic ulcers, diarrhea, gastritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and acid reflux.
• Treat wounds.
• Treat burns.
• Treat acne.
• Kills bacteria.
• Boils.
• Acts as a natural moisturizer.
• Relieves pain.
• Leg ulcers.
• Fungal infections.
• Sunburns.
• Gum disease.
• Sore throat.
• Energy booster.

*We need to give credit to the bees! 





Organic Mint  (from my Mint plant)

Benefits of Mint

Promotes good digestion.

Helps headaches.

Helps avoid nausea.

Helps respiratory disorders.

Helps skin.

Cancer prevention.

 Directions:

1.  Wash mangos, peel skin, and slice it.

Sliced Mangos

        2.   On medium heat add about 17-20 green cardamom pods in a pan (do not add anything in the pan but the pods) for 2-4 minutes until you start smelling the sweet fragrance of the pods.  *The pods have a wonderful aroma.  Your kitchen will smell so good.

Dry Roast the Green Cardamom Pods 

Why?

Dry roasting the green cardamom pods or any spice seeds releases the natural oils and aroma of the spice.  It wakes up the spice.

***The third expensive spice in the world.  "Queen of Spices" - check posting on benefits.

(Keep checking in to find out soon the King of Spices)

        3.    After roasting put the pods in the mortar and crush them.  This will fully crack open the pods.

Ready for cracking

        4.     Remove the shells.

Pick through and take out the seeds

        5.      Place the seeds in the grinder. 

Ready to rock and rumble

        6.      Ready, set, and press to grind.

Look at those seeds spin and grind!

        7.       Scoop out the ground cardamom.

Freshly ground green cardamom

        8.        Measure 1 cup of plain yogurt.

Plain Greek Yogurt

        9.       Pour 1 1/2 cup of coconut milk in blender.  Add the yogurt, honey, mint, and cardamom.

                                                                                       

             1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey

I was skimpy on the honey - only had a           little amount AGH!!!

           

*You can substitute with another raw natural sweetness.

Ready to blend

          10.      Pour it in a nice glass.

Taste buds are ready!

     Did it feel like a long journey in making it?  Yes, but the prep time was worth it.  I was able to incorporate the third most expensive spice in the world with the most expensive honey in the world.  Two gifts that were given to me.  

     Thanks Dad (for the honey) and Shital good friend (the green cardamom pods).

                                                                   I enjoyed drinking it!