Spring Time Pistachio, Cardamom, Orange Blossom Lassi

Luscious drink worthy of shakhti energy

With the jasmine and orange blossoms filling the evening air with perfume, I wanted to create a luscious drink worthy of shakhti energy. Lassi is a traditional Indian drink with a probiotic yogurt that can reduce acidity in the stomach and aid in enzyme production in the gut. Lassi is also known to be tri-dosha which means it can balance vata, pitta and kapha tendencies. The cardamom in the recipe can help balance the Vata winds, the cooling yogurt can balance the Pitta fires, and the pistachios can sustain a kaphas appetite.

I was inspired to make this after finding similar one at The Cookbook in Echo Park ~ one of my most favorite places on the planet in terms of organic food and fare. I had already been playing with some Orange Blossom water in some face masks and decided to add this to the recipe to capture the romantic night air that smells of neroli.

I sort of improvised until I felt I created a Springtime goddess Lassi that is so delicious and refreshing. This is for one serving but you can double for two. If you prefer it dairy free, substitute with coconut yogurt or you can also make a variation using pistachio milk minus the yogurt.

Ingredients:
1/3 Cup Pistachios
1 cup Organic whole yogurt (I like the Austin brand, White Mountain F0ods)
1/4 tsp Cardamom
1 tsp  tsp Orange Blossom Water (I like this one)
1 tbs  Honey I prefer it tart but you can add more honey for a sweeter taste Ice

Blend the pistachio nuts in a food processor until fine. Then in a blender add the yogurt, honey, Orange Blossom, ice. You can add some water if it feels too thick. Dress the glass with some chopped pistachios.  

Photos by Morgan Pansing Photography

Tags:cardamom, jasmine, lassi, orange blossom, pistachio, recipe, shakhti, shakti, spring, yogurt