Vegan Banana Lassi
As a vegan, I was disappointed to find out that incredibly addictive drinks like the delicious lassi (in its many varieties) contain dairy. As such, it was only a matter of time until I tried my hand at a vegan-friendly version, so today I’ve decided to re-create the vegan banana lassi.
I’ve combined the natural sweetness of frozen ripe bananas, the tangy twist of non-dairy yogurt and non-dairy milk, the caramel-like sweetness of dates, and a hint of cinnamon to create a refreshing and healthy drink that’s perfect for summer days and as an after-workout treat.
❓What Is a Lassi?
A lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink from India and Pakistan that is made by blending fruits, spices, yogurt, and water to serve as a refreshing drink. Its history dates back centuries, but it’s believed that lassi originated in the Punjab region, which is now split between India and Pakistan.
In ancient times, lassi was made by blending yogurt with water and a little bit of salt to make it more refreshing and easier to digest. But over time, different variations were developed, with the additions of fruits like mango, to make it sweeter and more delicious. In some regions, cardamom or saffron was also added to give it a unique flavor.
Lassi is still quite popular in India and Pakistan, as well as countries with a considerable South Asian population— I’ve personally had it in Portugal made by my Mozambican brother-in-law (Mozambique being the sixth largest Indian diaspora community in Africa), and then I also had it more recently in Thailand at an Indian restaurant (with some slight modifications to the standard recipes of course).
Fortunately, it’s a drink you can find almost everywhere nowadays, and you can find it in a variety of different flavors, and the best thing about it is that it’s pretty easy to veganize!
🌿 Is Lassi Usually Vegan?
Lassi is not usually vegan. Unfortunately, it contains dairy yogurt, so if you go to a restaurant or a street vendor for lassi, it’s likely that it will contain dairy yogurt, especially if you’re walking the streets of India or Pakistan.
If you want a vegan lassi, you’re better off just making it at home or just going to a vegan restaurant that has Indian food on the menu— as they’re more likely to sell non-dairy lassi.
🗒️ Ingredients in the Banana Lassi
Frozen bananas: Chop two ripe bananas and put them in a reusable food storage bag that goes into the freezer overnight. Instead of adding bananas and then ice separately, I prefer to use frozen bananas, and then if it’s necessary for consistency, I’ll add the ice later on. Normally, the lassi is pretty smooth and creamy without the additional ice.
Non-dairy yogurt: Use either soy or coconut yogurt. I use soy yogurt because it has a more flavorless taste, which allows the banana to shine. You can also use coconut yogurt, but the lassi may taste a whole lot more like coconut.
Unsweetened non-dairy milk: Adding non-dairy milk ensures that the consistency of the lassi doesn’t come out too thick. It counterbalances the bananas and non-dairy yogurt.
Dates: Instead of using regular refined sugar or brown sugar, I prefer to use natural sweeteners, and I usually find dates to be a uniquely delicious alternative. Don’t forget to remove the seeds before adding them to the blender.
Ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon combines beautifully with the natural sweetness of the banana. It’s a very common combination in baking, and it works pretty well for the lassi as well!
👨🏻🍳 How To Make Banana Lassi
Making this banana lassi is incredibly easy, and can be broken down into just a few steps.
Before making the recipe: The day before you make the lassi, chop two bananas and put them in the freezer overnight inside a food storage bag. If you’re in a hurry, just add the bananas and ice separately. I know that supermarkets also sell frozen bananas, so that’s also an option.
1st step: In a blender, add 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup of non-dairy yogurt, ¼ cup of unsweetened non-dairy milk, 2 seedless dates, and ½ tsp of cinnamon.
2nd step: Blend the ingredients on high speed until the texture is smooth and creamy.
3rd step: Taste the lassi and add more sweetener, if desired.
4th step: If, for some reason, the lassi is too thick, slowly add more non-dairy milk or even ice, until it reaches the desired consistency.
5th step: Pour the vegan banana lassi into a glass and enjoy! Feel free to add a final touch of cinnamon on top for an extra woody flavor and aroma.
Vegan Banana Lassi
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 cup non-dairy yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 2 seedless dates
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a blender, add all the ingredients. Blend everything on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Taste the lassi and add more sweetener, if necessary.
- If you find the lassi too thick, slowly add non-dairy milk or ice, until you get the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, add more non-dairy yogurt.
- Pour the vegan banana lassi into a glass and enjoy!
- Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an extra woody flavor. (Optional)
Video
Notes
- If you’re in a hurry, with no opportunity to freeze bananas overnight, use 2 ripe bananas and then add the ice separately. I recommend blending slowly as you add the ice to ensure consistency.
- Speaking of consistency, it’s something that people often complain about when making any lassi. More often than not, you may end up with a thick consistency that makes it difficult to drink, particularly with a straw. If that’s the case, feel free to add more non-dairy milk or even ice to the blender.
- However, if you feel like the consistency is too runny, you should add more non-dairy yogurt. Experiment and see what’s best for you.
🙏🏻 Before you go, I’ve got a favor to ask!
I’d love to get your feedback on this recipe! Feel free to leave a comment below detailing your experience— and let others know how you feel about it!
Of course, you can also ask any questions you may have about the recipe— and we’ll try to respond ASAP.
