Spring

Saffron-Cardamom Lassi

by:
April 21, 2010
5
1 Ratings
Saffron-Cardamom Lassi
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

On our honeymoon in India, my husband and I became separated from our fabulous driver one sweltering afternoon in the bangle bazaars of Jaipur. At a loss for how to reconnect (no cell phones!), we headed for the one place we were sure he would come looking: the cafe where we returned time and again to cool off over an icy lassi. With this recipe, though it takes a bit more time, I really recommend grinding the cardamom fresh. - gluttonforlife —gluttonforlife

Test Kitchen Notes

This recipe is quick to blend up, but leaves you feeling as if you've traveled to an exotic locale. The spices and sugar are a perfect foil for the tangy yogurt. I adore cardamom, but don't use saffron much in my kitchen -- I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked how it tastes in this lassi. The saffron also adds lovely orange colored flecks to this delicious drink. It's a wonderful warm weather refresher as is; I also loved it with a banana blended in (and have added it to my breakfast repertoire). - WinnieAb —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 cups whole-milk organic yoghurt
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • 1 generous pinch sea salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
Directions
  1. In a small cup, stir saffron into 1 tablespoon boiling water; let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Puree yogurt, sugar, cardamom, salt and saffron mixture in blender until thoroughly mixed. Chill until ice cold.
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9 Reviews

Palate818
Palate818 February 2, 2011
I'm going to the store right now to get the ingredients. Sounds amazing.
 
Rivka
Rivka April 22, 2010
This looks divine.
 
drbabs
drbabs April 22, 2010
I bet if you put this into an ice cream freezer, it would make a great frozen yogurt.
 
gluttonforlife
gluttonforlife April 22, 2010
Great idea!
 
drbabs
drbabs April 25, 2010
I just made this to drink after spin class. Quite delicious--and I only had lowfat yogurt in the house, but it's rich and creamy all the same!
 
monkeymom
monkeymom April 22, 2010
We love mango lassi...this one sounds so interesting, can't wait to try it!
 
cheese1227
cheese1227 April 21, 2010
SO, did the driver find you?

As I found with Brenna's Saffron Semifreddo with Cherry-Cardamom Syrup and Salted Honey-Hazelnuts recipe, I love cardamom and saffron together. I will try this drink on my lassi-loving husband.
 
gluttonforlife
gluttonforlife April 22, 2010
Sure enough, just as I was biting into my first samosa, he showed up!
 
shayma
shayma May 10, 2010
ah, what a wonderful story! and i *love* this combination of flavours. love how the Indians have flavours in their lassi- like saffron or mango, wish we would do this in Pakistan, too! or maybe i should make a trip to your fave cafe in India. beautiful recipe, so fragrant.