Summer wouldn’t be summer without a little fling. Sweet, intoxicating bliss, sparking the heart’s fire, sadhaka agni, with sattva—peaceful energy. A little wink, wink with an aphrodisiac infused with aromatic roses, mint, and cardamom. Then churned with a probiotic-rich yogurt to boost summers’ low digestive flame. To tame the heated warrior spirit that arises from acidic heat stored in the gut, liver, and blood. In the summer season, when the element of fire is fierce, turn the wild passions of war into an elixir of love. Hello there…Summer Lover. Happy Drinking. Happy Digesting.
[recipe-notes]
Dosha: VPK
Season: Summer
Qualities: Cold, Light-ish
Tastes: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Pungent, Astringent, Bitter
What you need: a blender
[/recipe-notes]
[recipe-ingredients]
- 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt with whey (not greek)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp cardamom seeds or powder + a pinch
- a 1 finger pinch of Himalayan salt
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves
- 2 T rose water
- 2 T raw or coconut sugar* (or to taste)
Decorative ingredients
- 1 T rose petals crushed + splash of rose water (optional)
[recipe-directions]
1. Over low heat in a small warm frying pan, add the cardamom seeds or powder and lightly toast until the aroma is released. About 30 seconds. Crush seeds into a fine powder with mortar and pestle or with a spice grinder.
2. Place all, except decorative ingredients into the blender. Blend until frothy and sugar has dissolved, about 30 seconds to a minute. Serve immediately or for a stronger mint flavor, let the mixture chill and infuse for 10 mins or so before serving. Sprinkle with a pinch of cardamom powder for an aromatic boost.
[/recipe-directions]
Getting fancy: to rim serving glasses with rose petals, place crushed petals on to small plate/saucer. Coat the rim of the glass with rose water and dip the glass into the crushed rose petals. Tap off the extra. Pour the yogurt mixture into the glass and sprinkle with a pinch of cardamom powder before serving.
Notes from our test kitchen:
- Toasted cardamom can be made and stored for up to 3 months
- A pinch of fennel powder can be substituted for mint
- Depending on the tartness of the yogurt, sugar quantity may need to be adjusted.
- Misri/rock sugar or a date can be substituted for coconut or raw sugar
- From an Ayurveda perspective, honey is not recommended or serving the lassi over ice
- Individuals with a kapha constitution or imbalance, enjoy with balance
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
