There is just no way for me to adequately express how excited I am that it is finally summer! Well, according to the weather it is. If you look at the calendar, there are still two months left before it officially starts but after this awful winter, spring has been very kind to us here in the Netherlands. Blue skies and temperatures above 25℃ (77F) made me dig out my daisy dukes, and I am shamelessly taking my laptop outside to work and enjoy a cold, vegan mango lassi in the shade.
If you never had a lassi or do not know what it is; a lassi traditionally is an Indian savoury drink. It is a blend of yoghurt, water and spices. There are numerous variations, and the sweet ones contain fruit and sugar instead of spices. I love all varieties because it is an excellent way to stay hydrated and get nutrients in at the same time. The more traditional savoury versions are great when heat strikes because they replenish the minerals lost due to sweating. However, I have a sweet tooth, so I tend to gravitate more to the fruity versions. Mango is such a beautiful fruit that contains not only vital nutrients but also healthy fats. I love using it in smoothies, not just during the summer but also in the winter when my lovely mango and turmeric smoothie comes in handy due to its anti-inflammatory properties. But now that it is warm I love to stick to cardamom. It has similar effects to turmeric, but its taste is much more pleasant and pairs wonderfully with this fruit. Cardamom gives it a subtle but refreshing flavour which I prefer during hot summer months.
Now, 25℃ (77F) might not seem that high but bear in mind that the Netherlands is rather humid, so heat and cold feel a lot more intense than in dry climates. I am from the Mediterranean, and I can testify that 25℃ (77F) here in the Netherlands feel like 30℃ (86F) in Croatia or Italy - it's crazy! Since I already mentioned my roots, being from a Mediterranean family gives me quite the advantage of getting tan, very quickly. However, I turned so pale this winter that I am closer to resembling a milk bottle than a human being, so I force myself to stick to the shade for now. I don't mind it too much as you can get a nice tan while sitting in the shade and I believe it is the key to healthy tanning. Get a decent SPF and stick to a tree or anything that offers shelter from the sun. It works like a charm, and it keeps your drink cold for a longer period of time which is a win-win. Who wants a warm mango lassi anyway? Would be a shame to let this lovely, cold vegan mango lassi sit in the sun. If you make your own lassi versions let me know. I love discovering new things so tag me on Instagram or FaceBook and let me see your beautiful pictures.
Vegan Mango Lassi
Ingredients
- 250 g vegan yoghurt
- 125 ml almond milk
- 125 g frozen mango which is roughly half a fruit
- 1 pinch of cardamom
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and process until desired consistency.
Notes
Nutrition
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