Iced lassi

Lassi, an Indian yogurt-based drink, is served as a refresher in hot countries (where it’s especially delightful after hot curries). It’s also a great semi-iced drink for all types of hot occasions.

* Serves 1

• 2 cups plain yogurt, partially frozen
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 4 tbsp. clear honey, plus more to taste
• freshly grated nutmeg

Put the yogurt, ice water, ice cubes, and honey in a food processor or blender. Blend until frothy and well mixed. Transfer to iced tall glasses and freeze for about 30 minutes.

Serve with a little more honey to taste and sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg.

Variations:

• Iced spiced lassi

Quickly fry 1 teaspoon cumin seeds in a small dry pan, stirring frequently, until they smell wonderful but not burnt. Grind the seeds or pound them in a mortar. Prepare the basic recipe, omitting the honey and nutmeg, Add the ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes, and a pinch salt before freezing.

• Iced mango lassi

Prepare the basic recipe, adding the flesh of 1/2 ripe mango to the blender before processing.

• Iced papaya lassi

Prepare the basic recipe, adding the pulp of 1/2 ripe papaya to the blender before processing.

• Iced refresher lassi

When preparing the basic recipe, add the finely grated zest and the juice of 1 lemon to the blender before processing.