Turmeric Lassi

Laaaaassi…..Oh Laaaaassi….starring turmeric, ginger, lemon, and of course: lassi.

Timeless classic.

I had to google, “difference between lassi and smoothie” prior to writing this post. Says the girl who’s writing wrote a probiotics cookbook including a section on smoothies. For the longest time when I saw the word, “lassi” I’d think, “smoothie with a fancy name and an absurdly intelligent dog as a mascot, who cares, let’s drink it.”

The difference between a lassi and a smoothie is this: In a smoothie, fruit plays the leading role. In a lassi, yogurt plays the leading role. Both are beverages. Both may or may not have fruit. But yogurt (or kefir) has to have the majority stake in a lassi, and a lassi does not have to include fruit. Smoothies have to be fruitful but do not have to contain yogurt. We’ve got rules and reputations to protect. Word.

So during one of my recent pinterest sessions, a photograph of a turmeric lassi flew right by my eyeball and I had to chase it down with light speed agility so that I could pin that sucker down. Because pictures fly by you on pinterest. So fast. On the reg.

Here’s why I am so interested in the turmeric lassi: turmeric has an insane amount of health benefits. First and foremost, it is known to fight and prevent cancer cell growth. It is also an anti-inflammatory, which also helps ease skin ailments such as psoriasis. Turmeric has been known to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, is an antioxidant, and is also a natural pain killer. Turmeric is a thingity thang right now and if it doesn’t live in your spice cabinet yet, it probably should.

There’s so much about this lassi that I want to hug. Lassiiiiii, why are you so liquid….whyyyyy?  Okay. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory (just like turmeric) and is known to be a digestive aid, ease nausea, and is a natural antibiotic. Bananas taste great, the end. Honey is a superfood and also a natural antibiotic. Blend up these little babies and holy healthy ramalamadingdong!

I loved this thing so much, there will likely be a different version of it in my cookbook. Similar. Different. But pretty much the same thing. With different ingredients. And awesome.

You can adjust the amount of turmeric up or down, but if you follow the recipe below, you’ll get sweet, creamy, lemon ginger flavor with a little bite on the back end from the ginger.

You’re still stuck on “back end,” aren’t you, you little ruffian? That’s alright, here’s what you need for the heat:

(recipe adapted from Best Recipes Magazine’s Immune Boosting Turmeric Lassi Recipe – Cancer Fighting Food)

Turmeric Lassi

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Servings: 1 smoothie

Author: Julia

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Ingredients

• 1 cup plain kefir or plain yogurt
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy immediately!

Aaaand you thought you’d get one last picture…bahahaha! Next time.