Sluttishly Sweet: 'Bhang' Lassi

Holi is probably the most exciting Indian festival. Also known as the festival of colours, it celebrates the start of Spring and happens around the end of February or start of March. People throw coloured powder at each other and end up in a great big multicoloured mess. It's a way to say goodbye to drab old winter and hello to spangly happy spring.

I was in India during Holi and a man offered me some bhang lassi. "That sounds nice," I thought, before one of my friends firmly escorted me away and explained that bhang is cannabis. While for some people that's part of the celebrations, this version is strictly above board . Happy Holi!
 
'Bhang' lassi

You will need:

150ml natural yoghurt
2 tbsp coconut milk
75-100ml water, depending on how thick you want it
2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 tsp almond essence

2.5cm piece of ginger, grated
1/2 tsp ground cardamom or nutmeg
Mint sprigs


Make it!
Mix all the ingredients, except the mint sprigs, in a blender (or simply by hand if you don't have one). Garnish with the mint and enjoy. Oh, and use the rest of the coconut milk for one of these recipes.

Flickr image from igb's photostream.