Mango Lassi with Basil Seeds and Honey

2016 apparently is well on its way to become the hottest year. June 2016 has already been declared as the hottest month on record. Imagine how it would be if this extreme heat is here to stay. I for one don't want to.

In the heat of the summer I bet at least a few of you are watching the Republican National Convention. Like me if you are a political junkie and can't keep away from it, you will be entertained and frustrated but won't know a thing if this is the candidate you really want to vote for. Speaker after speaker talked about how bad Hillary was than what their own candidate can do about any of it.

One thing I know for certain he would not do anything about the warming planet or anything else that does not in some way make money for his empire.

Although I don't know the long term solution for global warming I have a short term delicious solution for cooling off.

What is not to like in a combination of mangoes, yogurt, honey and some basil seeds. Basil seeds give some texture to a the lassi. Basil Seeds is also called sabja or tumkaria. If you'd rather use chia seeds, they work just fine as well. The mangoes that we get here in the US are not as sweet as the ones we get in India so I added some honey to it. I have found that mangoes sold as Marathon or Ataulfo or just called Yellow mangoes, are slightly oval in shape and not stringy. You can also use frozen mangoes or even mango pulp. Mango pulp has lot of sugar so no extra sugar might be needed.

Mango Lassi with Basil Seeds and Honey
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients(makes about 8 cups)

1. 4 cups of mango cubes
2. 3 cups of yogurt (I used home made yogurt from 2% milk)
3. 1 cup of water
4. 1 tbsp honey
5. 1 tbsp basil seeds or chia seeds
6. ice cubes for serving

Method

1. Add enough water to the basil seeds or chia seeds so all the seeds are submerged. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Peel and cut the mangoes and in batches blend the mangoes, yogurt and honey and transfer them to a container and refrigerate (optional).
3. Take a glass or serving cup and add the ice cubes an the soaked basil seeds about a tsp and add the blended mango /yogurt mixture. Slightly mix the basil seeds with a spoon.

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