Because of the dry nature and extreme climatic conditions of the Rajasthan, most of Rajasthani dishes are prepared in such a way that requires less water, There is indeed a scarcity of water, but also quite interesting that no scarcity of milk and spices. Milk is something that gives birth to multiple types of dishes. The Lassi is one of them. Though it is very common in the entire Rajasthan, the Lassi which is offered by the streets of Ajmer and the city of Pushkar is unparalleled.
What is Lassi
Lassi is very popular, and one of the traditional dishes of India originated in Punjab. It is a perfect blend of yogurt, water, and spices. Sometimes fruits are also added. Basically, it depends on the way and style of preparation. Because of cool properties, Lassi especially relished in hot summers.
Lassi in Ajmer
Multiple modern shops offer the ordinary Lassi, but for the extraordinary, there are some traditional shops in this ancient city of Ajmer, which are the most famous in the city, primarily for the Lassi. You can find a popular, traditional shop just next to the Akbar fort and museum.
The shop offers a thick and creamy Lassi served in a clay glass. To make it special and tastier, Lassi topped with malai, rabri, and saffron. It is so delicious and refreshing desi cold drink, which will make you feel energetic with one glass only, but you will definitely ask for the second one because it is incredible.
This shop of Lassi is not only nearby the historical place of Akbar fort and museum but also a shop, dedicated to kadi kachori, which is the most famous traditional food of Ajmer. While there, you may also consider visiting the Akbar fort, which is one of the must-visit places in Ajmer.
Lassi in Pushkar
Though Pushkar is known as a famous Hindu pilgrimage site in India, it is the best place to enjoy street food. Among so many delicious and spicy dishes, the Lassi is one of the must-haves.
The Pushkar’s Lassi is very special, it is flavored with gulkand (a sweet preserve of rose petals). Therefore, it is called gulkand lassi. Apart from gulkand, the thick lassi is topped with cream, rabri. You should definitely have it.
Because it is a very small city or town, you can visit some famous places in Pushkar like Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Savitri Mata Temple, Varaha Temple, rangji temple, and so on.
Recipe of Lassi
Ingredients
- Chilled fresh curd (dahi or yogurt)
- Chilled water or milk or both in the same amount
- Sugar add as per taste
- Cardamom powder or rose water
- Strands of saffron (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Chopped or sliced dry fruits (optional)
Preparing the Lassi
Take 8 to 10 cardamom pods and crush them in a mortar. Remove the husk and crush the seeds. Crush to a fine powder.
Add the chilled yogurt to a bowl, mix the curd till it becomes smooth.
Add the sugar as required. Then add the chilled water or milk or, you can both in the same amount.
Now churn the Madani in the lassi mixture. Now keep churn until the sugar dissolves.
Then add the crushed cardamom powder and a few saffron strands. Add the ice cubes if required, then mix them very well.
The lassi is almost ready, now you can garnish it with cardamom powder, saffron strands, dry fruits, gulkand (a sweet preserve of rose petals),
Serve it immediately before it gets hot.