Orange You Glad It's a Lassi?
This "Orange You Glad It's a Lassi?" is a vibrant and creamy beverage that blends fresh, naturally sweet orangeade with rich full-fat yogurt, sweet condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla and cardamom, creating a refreshing and nostalgic creamsicle experience in a glass.
Servings 2
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt chilled (do not use Greek yogurt for traditional lassi texture)
- 2 medium oranges about 1.5 cups peeled, segmented fruit, peeled, all white pith removed, and segmented (remove any large seeds)
- ½ cup cold water
- 2-3 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk adjust to taste for sweetness and creaminess
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp orange zest from about 1 medium orange
- Pinch of ground cardamom about ⅛ tsp, optional but recommended for depth
- 4-6 ice cubes adjust for desired thickness and chill
For Garnish (Optional):
- Orange slices or segments
- Extra orange zest
- A swirl of heavy cream or coconut cream
Instructions
Prepare the Orangeade Base:
- In a blender, combine the peeled and segmented oranges, ½ cup cold water, and 1 Tbsp orange zest. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and pulpy.
Strain the Orangeade:
- For a super smooth lassi, pour the blended orange mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a nut milk bag into a separate bowl, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp. This is your fresh orangeade base.
Combine for Lassi:
- Return the strained orangeade base to the cleaned blender. Add the chilled plain full-fat yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ground cardamom (if using).
Add Ice:
- Add the ice cubes to the blender.
Blend Lassi:
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and well-combined.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the lassi and adjust for sweetness by adding more condensed milk if desired, or for thickness by adding a Tbsp or two of cold water or milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Serve:
- Pour the "Orange You Glad It's a Lassi?" into tall glasses. Garnish with an orange slice or extra zest, or a swirl of cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!