Mango Lassi Ice Pops: A 10-Minute Frozen Taste of India

Overview

This video demonstrates how to make delicious Mango Lassi Ice Pops, transforming India's beloved drink into a creamy, frozen treat. It details the simple process of combining mango puree, yogurt, milk, and cardamom, then freezing the mixture to create a probiotic-rich dessert that only requires 10 minutes of active preparation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ripe mango puree (from 2-3 large ripe mangoes, or good canned Alphonso pulp)
• 1 cup thick full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3-4 tablespoons honey or sugar, to taste
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• A tiny pinch of salt
• Chopped pistachios (optional)
• A few threads of saffron (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big bowl or blender, combine the 2 cups of mango puree, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of milk, honey or sugar, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt.
2. Whisk or blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps of yogurt remain. If your mango is fibrous, pass it through a sieve first.
3. Taste the mixture and add more honey or sugar if needed until it tastes slightly sweeter than desired, as freezing dulls sweetness.
4. Pour the mixture into 8 popsicle molds, about a third of a cup each, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
5. Tap the molds on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
6. Insert the popsicle sticks; if your lids do not hold them straight, freeze for 30 minutes first, then push sticks into the slush so they stand up.
7. Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until solid at 0 Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius).
8. To unmold, run the outside of the mold under warm (not hot) water for 10 to 20 seconds, then gently pull the stick straight up. If it resists, a few more seconds under the water.
9. For finishing touches, roll the frozen pops in chopped pistachios while still frosty, so they stick. A few saffron threads can be whisked into the mix beforehand for color and aroma.
10. Serve straight from the freezer, on a cold plate, before they melt. They keep two to three weeks in an airtight box.

In this video

• Mango Lassi Ice Pops are a frozen version of India's traditional yogurt-based drink, often enjoyed in the heat.
• The recipe balances sweet mango, tangy yogurt, and aromatic cardamom for a harmonious flavor.
• The base ingredients include 2 cups of ripe mango puree, 1 cup of thick full-fat Greek yogurt, and 1/2 cup of whole milk.
• Flavorings consist of 3-4 tablespoons of honey or sugar, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom, and a tiny pinch of salt.
• All ingredients are blended or whisked until completely smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
• The mixture must taste slightly sweeter than desired before freezing, as freezing dulls sweetness.
• Pour the mixture into 8 popsicle molds, leaving space for expansion, then tap to remove air bubbles.
• Freeze the pops for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until solid at 0 Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius).
• Unmold by running the outside of the mold under warm water for 10-20 seconds, then gently pulling the stick straight up.
• Finished ice pops can be rolled in chopped pistachios for garnish and kept for 2-3 weeks in an airtight box.

Frequently asked questions

What are Mango Lassi Ice Pops?

Mango Lassi Ice Pops are a frozen adaptation of the traditional Indian drink, Mango Lassi, made with sweet mango, creamy yogurt, and a hint of cardamom. They are a refreshing, probiotic treat perfect for cooling down.

How much prep time do Mango Lassi Ice Pops require?

The preparation time for Mango Lassi Ice Pops is approximately 10 minutes of active work, with the freezer doing the rest of the job for freezing.

Why should the mango lassi mixture taste extra sweet before freezing?

The mixture should taste slightly sweeter than desired before freezing because the cold temperature dulls the perception of sweetness. A perfectly sweet warm mix will taste flat when frozen.

How long do Mango Lassi Ice Pops need to freeze?

Mango Lassi Ice Pops need to freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until they are solid at 0 Fahrenheit or minus 18 Celsius.

What is the best way to unmold frozen Mango Lassi Ice Pops?

To unmold, run the outside of the popsicle mold under warm water for 10 to 20 seconds, then gently pull the stick straight up. Do not use hot water or yank the stick.