Golden Turmeric Mango "Lassi"

In Ayurvedic medicine, a lassi  typically “cools” the digestive system, aiding gut function. This take on the popular Indian dahi yogurt-based drink, rich with golden turmeric, probiotic, spices, and mango, doubles as a fermented food smoothie that contains healthy bacteria via probiotics, which decrease bloating and reduce inflammation—two key contributors to weight loss. Lassis can typically be enjoyed sweet or savory. When blended with coconut milk yogurt and tahini, the mango and turmeric meld into a super-smooth golden mix with the warming spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric and cardamom providing balance with the natural sweetness of buckwheat honey and pure maple syrup. This concoction of goodness makes a gut-healing and cold-curing smoothie good for any time of the year.

Ingredients:

Flesh of 1 mango, pitted and peeled (or frozen mango chunks)

2 Tbsp coconut yogurt (I love GT’s Cocoyo living coconut yogurt)

1 c. almond milk

1/2 Tbsp Turmeric Golden Milk mix - see below (or ground turmeric)

1 tspn probiotic powder (rec: Healthforce Friendly Force brand Ultimate Extreme probiotic)

1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1 Tbsp buckwheat honey (or whatever honey you have- see below for benefits of buckwheat honey)

1 Tbsp tahini

1 tsp vanilla powder

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

pinch each of ground cardamom

pinch of ground cinnamon

pinch of sea salt

Turmeric Golden Milk Mix

• 4 Tbsp ground turmeric (highly recommend Diaspora Co single origin heirloom turmeric)

• 2 tsp ground ginger 

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (or to taste)

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Nutrition Tidbits:

The bacteria compounds in the coconut yogurt provide billions of living probiotics that can support the gut with healthy digestion. Mango is a great source of vitamin C and turmeric is high in anti-inflammatory compounds. They are a great duo for enabling gut health and fighting inflammation.

Buckwheat honey is a milder form of honey that supports immune function, and boosts antioxidants. It's also great for soothing sore throats and coughs. Buckwheat honey will literally help kill the bad bugs in the back of your throat when taken straight (I took a tablespoon every night before bed to coat my throat last week during a bout with a nasty cold). The one I use is sourced from Eastern Oregon and limited in quantity, it has a dark hue verging on black with equally deep flavors. Less sweet than other varieties, the buckwheat honey tastes like malt, toasted nuts and carob, and a bit steely. If you are in Portland, go see J at Boyco Foods’ booth at the Portland Saturday Farmers Market at PSU.

Tahini is a great way to get B vitamins like thiamine, along with minerals, including magnesium, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron and zinc. Adding tahini to recipes is a good way to get your daily copper — which is needed to maintain nerve, bone and metabolic health.