Many moons ago my friend Kirstin and I would often have lunch at a tiny restaurant in downtown El Paso. We weren't going there because of culinary reasons but mostly to hang out with the 'cool' Emo kids who were either dedicated vegans (or veggos at the least). Furnished exclusively with cheap plastic, our after school hang out was run by a friendly Indian cook and his Arabian wife.

We loved them and they loved us. There weren't many places where a group of teenage punks was greeted with a warm smile. We brought them plenty of business in return.

They introduced us to exotic tasting Arabian and Oriental foods and as there were no menus, we would devour with delight, what was served, as long as it was meat free. Emo kids take their diet very seriously!

Here, I tasted a variety of rich, creamy and delicious lassi, which is basically an Indian-style pioneer of what we know today as the smoothie.

There are two types – sweet and salty lassi. Both are power-packed with probiotics, fruit, spices or herbs to
help aid digestion.

Main ingredient is cultured yogurt
(a sour fermented form of milk) rich in

protein, B-vitamins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, folic acid and if made freshly, contains countless good bacteria for the urinary tract, stomach and gut.

Lassi makes the yogurt even more light and digestible, so in Ayurveda it's highly recommended to drink this beverage after a meal or first thing in the morning, instead of breakfast.

Find three of my favourite recipes here. Depending on the fruit in season or whatever you have on hand, this lovely drink has a cooling effect on your body with unique digestive and health benefits.

RECIPES

BERRY LASSI

1 cup fresh or frozen berries

(strawberry, raspberry, blueberry)

1 cup organic yogurt

1/4 tsp ground cardamom

handful of ice to blend

(if using frozen berries you won't need ice)

Combine all ingredients in a high speed food processor and blend until smooth.

MANGO LASSI

1 cup fresh or frozen mango

1 cup organic yogurt

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger

handful of ice to blend

(if using frozen mangos you won't need ice)

Combine all ingredients in a high speed food processor and blend until smooth.

SALTY LASSI WITH MINT

1 cup organic yogurt

1 tsp roasted and ground cumin

1 tsp sea salt

mint to garnish

Dry roast cumin seeds in a pan on low/medium heat until they are golden brown and release their aroma. Allow to cool and then crush using a pestle and mortar.

Blend all the ingredients except the mint until smooth. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

NOTE: Eating fewer animal products is a good choice for the environment. When and if you choose to eat animal products you can make a significant difference by supporting sustainable and organic farms in your local community. By eating animal products raised on such farms you provide the healthiest choice for your family and support the farms that support healthy and ecological neighborhoods.

When consuming diary, I buy organic whole milk which is free of antibiotics, added hormones, GMO feed an other drugs and chemicals. Yes, it is more expensive, but every dollar you spend supports someone and something.

Quinoa Sushi with Paw Paw

Moroccan Miso & Pumpkin Soup

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SWEET OR SALTY LASSI RECIPES (THREE RECIPES)

Vegetarian, Fermented Foods, Gluten Free, Healthy Eating, Organic

Ideas and recipes from sunny Australia, for nourishing, wholesome foods, prepared with holistic ingredients that love you back.

Quinoa Sushi with Paw Paw

Moroccan Miso & Pumpkin Soup

Ideas and recipes from sunny Australia, for nourishing,
wholesome foods, prepared
with holistic ingredients that
love you back.