1 teaspoon cumin seeds, roasted and ground
4 cups (950 ml) plain yogurt or cultured buttermilk
3 cups (700 ml) water
3 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoon salt
crushed ice (optional)
Reserve a pinch of the ground cumin and mix all the other ingredients together with a whisk or electric blender. Pour the mixture into glasses (with or without crushed ice). Garnish with the pinch of ground cumin. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
A tasty variation for namkin lassi is made by adding 1 oz (25 g) of fresh mint leaves. Put several mint leaves aside for the garnish. Mix all the other ingredients (except the ice cubes) in an electric blender, until the mint leaves are chopped fine. This should take about 30 seconds. Then add the ice cubes and blend again until the beverage becomes frothy. Pour the mint lassi into glasses, each garnished with mint leaves.
To make plain lassi combine the yogurt or buttermilk, the ground cumin, and the water. Beat it to a smooth consistency with a whisk or electric blender. Pour this mixture into glasses of crushed ice and serve.