Salt Lassi

A refreshing salt lassi recipe is a refreshing drink easily made in 5 minutes and with a handful of ingredients.  This frothy classic salt lassi or masala lassi or masala chaas is a yogurt-based drink.

• Vegetarian, gluten-free, Vegan option
• Ready in 5 minutes

What is salt lassi / masala lassi / masala chaas?

 Lassi is popular yogurt-based Indian drink and can be found easily in Indian restaurants.  While it is known to be originated in North India, it is popular across the subcontinent. Lassi is pronounced luh-see not lassie like the famous dog 😊

Salted lassi is known by many other names such as masala lassi, namkeen lassi and a slightly modified version is known as masala chaas.

It is a simple recipe which uses whole milk yogurt which is mixed with milk or water a few other ingredients to become a refreshing, easy drink. The top of the lassi is usually frothy.  It’s perfect for hot summer days and just any meal where you’d like a drink with cooling properties.

 There are many types of lassi.  Sweet versions include Sweet Mango Lassi, Sweet Lassi Recipe, Rose Lassi, Kesar Lassi and Strawberry Lassi.   

This salty lassi is the one savory lassi you will find, and I highly recommend giving it a try. Salt lassi is not sweet as there is no sugar added and you get some protein from milk, so it makes a guilt free yogurt drink with a cooling effect after your spicy Indian dinner (or any other time really)!

Chaas Vs Lassi

While chaas is a little thinner in consistency, the consistency of lassi is usually a bit thicker.  The main difference is just adding a little extra milk or water to thin out the drink to make chaas.  A creamy lassi is achieved by using whole milk yogurt or a Greek yogurt. So, you can adjust this recipe to make either!

Ingredients & Substitutes

All you need is 4 main ingredients to make masala chaas or masala lassi. 

Yogurt: The main ingredient is yogurt / curd.  The creamier, thicker lassi you want, the higher fat content yogurt you should use.  I recommend using whole milk plain yogurt or Greek Yogurt.  If I want a delicious rich lassi, I go all out and use Fage 5% Greek Yogurt. 

Milk or Water: Similar to above, if you want a creamier lassi, use whole milk.  If you’d like a lighter version, use 2% milk or water.

If you are looking for a masala chaas consistency, use water!

Cumin powder: This is simply ground cumin seeds which adds a delicious depth of flavor to the lassi.

Salt Or Black Salt: There is no salt lassi without the salt! You can either use salt or black salt (kala namak) or even a combination of both.  My preference is to use salt and add a pinch of black salt.

If you aren’t familiar with black salt it is a common Indian spice.  Used popularly in a chaat masala blend.

Ice Cubes:  Optional if you plan on chilling the lassi but I think it tastes more “restaurant style” if blended in, especially if you are making a very thick lassi.

Making it Vegan

Vegan: Substitute with vegan yogurt and milk to make it vegan.  Oat milk is creamy and thick so I recommend using that with some water.

Variations

If you’d like a hint of spice you can add a pinch of black pepper.

Fresh mint leaves are fun to add as a garnish or blended in to provide some fresh notes to the drink.

How to make homemade salt lassi

To make it just: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend!

The traditional way to make it is to use a wooden churner, but I just use a regular blender or immersion blender.  You could also use a wire whisk.  But, the blender gets it nice and frothy.

You can play around with the amount of water/milk as well to make a thicker lassi.  Less water and ice cubes will still result in a yummy drink.

Chaas Masala Ingredients

If you want to keep some chaas masala powder or masala lassi powder on hand, just use cumin powder and salt to keep an easy blend to use daily!

Serving Suggestions

Cold lassi is usually served in tall glasses at restaurants. Traditionally they are often served in clay cups and made in earthen pots.

Salt lassi goes along with any Indian cuisine and can be served year round.  It is especially a refreshing drink to serve on hot days.  It’s a great way to finish an Indian dinner or spicy meal.

It is also a fasting/vrat friendly drink!