Name: Mango Lassi Mousse: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 265 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe mangoes (about 500g), peeled and chopped; 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or Greek yogurt recommended for richness); 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but any milk will work); 2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the mangoes); 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, but adds a lovely flavor); Pinch of saffron strands (optional, for color and aroma); 1 cup heavy cream (35% milk fat or higher), chilled; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons gelatin powder; 2 tablespoons cold water; Fresh mango slices; Chopped pistachios; Mint leaves; A drizzle of honey or mango puree

Mango Lassi Mousse: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every spoonful of this decadent yet surprisingly light dessert! Imagine the creamy, dreamy texture of a classic mousse, infused with the vibrant sweetness of ripe mangoes and the subtle tang of yogurt – that's precisely what awaits you. This isn't just a dessert; it's an experience.

The inspiration for this delightful treat comes from the beloved Mango Lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink enjoyed for centuries. Often served as a refreshing cooler during scorching summers or as a digestive aid after a spicy meal, the Mango Lassi is a staple in Indian households and restaurants worldwide. Its creamy texture and sweet-tangy flavor profile have made it a global favorite.

But why stop at a drink? We've taken the essence of the Mango Lassi and transformed it into an elegant mousse that's perfect for any occasion. People adore this dish because it's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a burst of flavor that's both comforting and exotic. The smooth, airy texture melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests or a simple treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Mango Lassi Mousse is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that's both delicious and unforgettable!

Ingredients:

For the Mango Lassi Base:

2 ripe mangoes (about 500g), peeled and chopped
1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or Greek yogurt recommended for richness)
1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but any milk will work)
2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the mangoes)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, but adds a lovely flavor)
Pinch of saffron strands (optional, for color and aroma)

For the Mousse:

1 cup heavy cream (35% milk fat or higher), chilled
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons gelatin powder
2 tablespoons cold water

For the Garnish (optional):

Fresh mango slices
Chopped pistachios
Mint leaves
A drizzle of honey or mango puree

Preparing the Mango Lassi Base:

Prepare the Mangoes: Start by peeling and chopping your ripe mangoes. Make sure to remove the pit and any fibrous parts. The riper the mangoes, the sweeter and more flavorful your lassi base will be. I like to use Alphonso mangoes when they are in season, but any sweet variety will do.
Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the chopped mangoes, yogurt, milk, sugar, cardamom powder (if using), and saffron strands (if using). Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. If you prefer a tangier lassi, you can add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
Strain (Optional): For an extra smooth lassi base, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This will remove any small fibers or lumps, resulting in a silky-smooth texture. I usually skip this step, but it's a good option if you're aiming for perfection.
Chill the Lassi Base: Pour the blended lassi base into a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the lassi to chill thoroughly, which is important for the mousse to set properly. A cold base helps the gelatin set faster and more evenly.

Preparing the Gelatin:

Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the gelatin has softened and absorbed the water. This process is called "blooming" and it's essential for ensuring that the gelatin dissolves properly and doesn't clump up in the mousse.
Dissolve the Gelatin: After the gelatin has bloomed, heat it gently until it is completely dissolved. You can do this in a microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler. Be careful not to overheat the gelatin, as this can weaken its setting power. The gelatin should be clear and liquid, with no visible granules.
Cool Slightly: Allow the dissolved gelatin to cool slightly before adding it to the lassi base. This will prevent it from curdling the yogurt or affecting the texture of the mousse. I usually let it sit for a few minutes until it's just warm to the touch.

Making the Mousse:

Whip the Heavy Cream: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as this can cause it to separate and become grainy. The whipped cream should be light and airy, with a stable structure.
Combine the Lassi Base and Gelatin: Gently whisk the cooled, dissolved gelatin into the chilled mango lassi base. Make sure to incorporate it evenly to prevent any pockets of undissolved gelatin.
Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mango lassi mixture in two or three additions. Use a spatula and a light hand to avoid deflating the whipped cream. The goal is to create a light and airy mousse with a smooth and even texture.

Assembling and Chilling:

Pour into Serving Dishes: Divide the mousse mixture evenly among individual serving glasses or ramekins. You can also use a larger serving bowl if you prefer.
Chill the Mousse: Cover the serving dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the mousse to set completely and develop its full flavor. The longer it chills, the firmer and more stable it will become.

Garnishing and Serving:

Garnish (Optional): Before serving, garnish the mousse with fresh mango slices, chopped pistachios, mint leaves, and a drizzle of honey or mango puree. Get creative with your garnishes and add any other toppings that you enjoy.
Serve Chilled: Serve the mango lassi mousse chilled and enjoy! The mousse should be light, airy, and bursting with the flavors of mango, yogurt, and cardamom. It's the perfect refreshing dessert for a hot summer day or any time you're craving a taste of India.

Tips and Variations:

Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based yogurt and milk alternatives. You can also use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin. Follow the package instructions for using agar-agar, as the setting process is different from gelatin.
Spice it Up: For a spicier mousse, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger powder to the lassi base.
Add Some Crunch: Incorporate some crushed digestive biscuits or granola into the bottom of the serving dishes for a crunchy base.
Layered Mousse: Create a layered mousse by alternating layers of mango lassi mousse with layers of whipped cream or crushed cookies.
Mango Puree: If you don't have fresh mangoes, you can use canned mango puree. Just make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly, as canned puree is often sweeter than fresh mangoes.
Sweetness Adjustment: The amount of sugar needed will depend on the sweetness of your mangoes and your personal preference. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste.
Storage: The mango lassi mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your homemade Mango Lassi Mousse!

Conclusion:

This Mango Lassi Mousse is truly a dessert experience you won't want to miss. It's the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and refreshing tropical flavors, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a more sophisticated dinner party. The light and airy texture, combined with the vibrant sweetness of mango and the subtle tang of yogurt, creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you'll be hooked! But what makes this mousse a must-try? It's more than just the incredible taste. It's the ease of preparation. You don't need to be a seasoned baker to whip up this delightful dessert. The recipe is straightforward, using readily available ingredients, and requires minimal effort. In under an hour, you can have a stunning and delicious dessert ready to impress your family and friends. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up ripe mangoes, preventing food waste and turning them into something truly special. Beyond its simplicity and deliciousness, this Mango Lassi Mousse is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Try layering it in parfait glasses with crumbled graham crackers or shortbread cookies for added texture and a touch of buttery goodness. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of elegance. For a more decadent experience, top it with whipped cream and a few slices of fresh mango. And the variations are endless! If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or a dash of ginger can add a warm and aromatic dimension to the mousse. For a vegan version, simply substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or maple syrup. Feel free to get creative and personalize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Parfait Style: Layer with crumbled graham crackers or shortbread cookies. * Garnish: Fresh mint, toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of honey. * Decadent Topping: Whipped cream and fresh mango slices. * Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger. * Vegan Option: Use coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt. * Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey or maple syrup. I truly believe this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It's a crowd-pleaser that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the magic of this Mango Lassi Mousse. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Please, don't hesitate to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking (and eating)!