Sweet & Spiced Golden Lassi

Yogurt is heavy, thick, and unctuous, making it difficult to digest and prone to clogging the subtle channels of the body.  Reap the benefits of yogurt (a good source of protein, calcium, & probiotics and deeply hydrating to the tissues), without diminishing your digestive fire. 

Make your yogurt into a lassi - Ayurveda’s way of taking in yogurt in a more balanced way.  

Lassi is simply blending equal parts yogurt and water along with digestive spices. There are many spice combinations and ways to create this after-meal, or between-meal nourisher. 

See the recipe below for the one that I am currently enjoying after lunch.

Sweet & Spiced Golden Lassi

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (use goat yogurt or non-dairy yogurt for Kapha)

• 1 cup coconut water (use water for Kapha)

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/8 teaspoon ginger powder

• Large pinch cardamom powder

• 3 saffron stigmas

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 teaspoons honey (use maple syrup for Pitta)

Directions

1. Place the yogurt and coconut water (or water) into a large jar or small mixing bowl.

2. Add in the cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, saffron, vanilla, and honey. 

3. Blend well using a hand blender or bullet for 30 to 60 seconds.  If those are not available, a regular blender can be used.

4. Take 1/2 cup of the lassi directly after a meal or between meals to boost the digestive fire, promote healthy gut flora, and reduce symptoms of gas and bloating. 

5. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days.

Optional Doshic Variations

Vata:

This recipe is great as is for Vata types and should be taken regularly after meals to reduce gas, bloating, and constipation symptoms.

Pitta:

Pitta types should replace the honey with maple syrup, which is more cooling.  If available you should use homemade yogurt, as this is more cooling and less sour than its store-bought counterpart.

Kapha:

Kapha types should use plain goat yogurt or non-dairy yogurt, rather than cow yogurt, and plain water to replace the coconut water.  You can double the amount of ginger and add in a pinch of black pepper.  If there is a strong Kapha imbalance such as congestion, cough, excessive mucus, excessive weight, or obesity, you should cut the amount of yogurt in half.

Recipe provided by Danielle of Svastha Ayurveda