Creamy Strawberry Rose Lassi

If you’re looking for a new way to satisfy your cravings this summer, try out this creamy strawberry rose lassi. This drink is sweet and tart, with the perfect hint of floral flavor from rose water and rose syrup. It’s smooth and creamy texture makes it the perfect way to cool off after a long day in the sun.

This strawberry rose lassi is an ultra-thick, creamy yet pourable beverage that combines all of the traditional flavors of lassi with the sweetness of strawberries and a hint of floral flavor from rose water and Rooh-afza. The result is a flavorful and cooling treat that will tantalize your taste buds while helping you beat the heat this summer!

Rooh afza from Persian quite literally translates to "soul uplifter". It is a concentrated syrup made out of fruits, vegetables, roses and herbs, invented originally in 1907 by a physician to treat heat stroke and dehydration. This strawberry rose lassi combines the flavors of rooh afza to not only infuse exotic flavors to the lassi but also to make use of the cooling properties of the rooh afza syrup.

What is Lassi?

Lassi is a traditional sweet or salted Indian yogurt drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made from buttermilk or yogurt, which are blended with water and then churned or shaken until it forms a smooth creamy texture.

The types of Lassi

There are 2 broad categories of lassi: sweet and savory. In the sweet lassi category, we have the simple and plain sweet lassi and a plethora of fruit flavored combinations. However the most famous fruit lassi is that of the mango.

In the savory category, we have the simple salted lassi and a myriad other flavors that include a blend of spices. In fact there is no end to the combinations of lassis that we find these days

Some popular flavor pairings of lassi includes:

• Mango lassi: This sweet lassi is flavored with mango puree or pulp, giving it a vibrant yellow color and tropical fruit flavor. It's a refreshing and delicious way to cool down on a hot day.
• Rose lassi: Rose water and rose syrup are added to plain yogurt to create this fragrant and floral-tasting lassi. The hint of rose complements the creamy yogurt and creates an interesting flavor profile.
• Saffron Pistachio lassi: Ground pistachios are blended into the yogurt to create a nutty, rich lassi. The pale green color and crunchy texture of the nuts make this an eye-catching and unique drink.
• Masala lassi: Savory spices like cumin, coriander, chili, ginger and black salt are blended with yogurt to create this spiced lassi. It has a tangy, spicy flavor that is perfect as a accompaniment to Indian meals.
• Fruit lassis: In addition to mango, other fruits like strawberry, banana, lychee and fig are used to flavor sweet lassis. The fruit adds flavor, color, texture and nutrients to the yogurt drink.

There are endless combinations of ingredients that can be added to yogurt to create unique and delicious lassis. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, fruity or spicy, there's a type of lassi for every taste.

Origins of Lassi - The Indian Yogurt Drink

Lassi is an ancient yogurt-based beverage that has been enjoyed in India for centuries. Its exact origins are unknown, but according to the cocktailways, it is believed to have originated somewhere between the North and Northwest regions of the Indian subcontinent, probably in Punjab and Multan in India around 1000 BC.

Traditional way of making lassi

Traditional lassi is made by blending together yogurt with water in an earthen pot called matka with a mudhani (a wooden or metal vessel) until it forms a creamy texture. Finally, spices and other ingredients are added for flavor before serving chilled or at room temperature. Here is a video of lassi being prepared the old school way by hand churning.

Why should you make this recipe?

• 1Honestly , the flavor. This recipe combines plain yogurt, strawberries and a splash of rose syrup to create an unforgettable flavor.
• It is smooth and creamy freaking delicious.
• Lassi being made with yogurt makes a great way to add probiotics to your diet.
• Rose syrup and yogurt are cooling to the body. So they make a great treat during those scorching summer months.
• It is a freaking easy. Just dump all the ingredients into the blender and you have it.

Which yogurt to use for making lassi?

To make this Indian yogurt drink , it is best to use full fat yogurt as they ensure the most creaminess. I tend to avoid using Greek yogurt even if full fat because it tends to be kind of chalky in taste. In case you are wondering how I make yogurt at home, Lisa has a recipe here.

Ingredients to make this recipe

• Full fat yogurt
• Heavy Cream
• Milk
• Strawberry - fresh or frozen
• Sugar
• Rose water
• Rooh Afza
• Ice cubes (optional)

How to make this lassi:

All you need to do is combine full fat yogurt, strawberries, sugar, rose water, rooh afza, milk, heavy cream and ice cubes in your blender. Blend until smooth and creamy then serve chilled or at room temperature.

Substitutions

• If you are looking for a lower calorie option when making this lassi, feel free to switch up the heavy cream with 2% milk.
• Also you could reduce the amount of sugar to your liking as the Rooh Afza - rose syrup already has sugar in it.
• You may also use low fat yogurt if you are looking for healthier options.

Storage

The lassi keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 days. The drink loses its freshness after 3 days and the yogurt might turn sour as well.

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