Mango Lassi

For those of us who are dairy-free, or even more so for those of us with dairy-free children, it’s a constant battle to get enough calcium in to keep the dietician happy. Over the years mine have had dairy-free yogurt so regularly that they can hardly stomach another mouthful. I exaggerate a little, but they are fed up with it. Then it came to me – what about a drink instead, not a plain old milkshake but a super refreshing lassi, flavoured with a fresh ripe mango (and boy are the mangoes good at the moment)? It was a resounding success, both girls guzzled down a glass full of fruity, calcium-rich goodness on return from school with no hint of a sigh. A great, nutritious and filling snack to keep those hunger tummy rumbles at bay! Traditionally served in India as a refreshing and usually spiced digestif, I think this dairy-free version would work in any scenario.

I used soya yogurt but I reckon coconut would work pretty well with the mango flavour. Be sure to add the salt though – it may just be a pinch, but it really does make all the difference, and a lassi is traditionally sharp in flavour.

Mango Lassi (dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, sesame-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan)

serves 2-4

• 1 mango, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 cup dairy-free yogurt
• pinch of salt

– place the mango and sugar in a blender with the yogurt.

– Blitz to a smooth puree.

– Pour in the water and blitz again to a smooth, thick liquid.

– Add the salt. Stir and taste. Add more salt and sugar to taste.

– Serve