Bollywood movies are amazing. Often filled with over the top musical numbers with choreography I love to try and copy crazily around my house (don’t judge!), I was introduced to Bollywood in high school. I find the charm of these movies irresistible. Sure, they might be a bit corny, and you might have to suspend disbelief to enjoy the plot, but they’re filled with so much fun and heart. Who cares if the movie seems outrageously long;  just means more time to giggle with my ridiculous pals. (My twin brother shares this love, and is actually fairly knowledgeable about the industry. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll see his blond haired, blue eyed self starring in a BWood flick.) Any film suggestions out there? I think my favourite of what I’ve seen so far is Kal Ho Naa Ho…probably because I’m a huge sap….

So earlier this summer we hosted a little Bollywood potluck and movie night.  With good friends, buttered chicken, spiiiicy veggie tikka massala, spiced corn, (some very necessary and cooling) raita, I think we did alright! Everything was delicious. After a pretty spicy dinner, we all enjoyed my friend Priya’s cool Indian-spiced gelato and especially her mango lassi.

It smelled enticingly of pumpkin pie in a glass but the mango is unmistakeable once you taste it.  I’d never had a lassi before, and this one definitely made a good impression! I haven’t yet tried Priya’s recipe myself (I haven’t got around to buying the kesar mango pulp), but I made another version the other day that I thought was worth sharing — a pretty pink pastel drink with coconut milk, strawberries, mango and can be whipped up in just a few minutes.

Whether you just want to cool off in this heat or give your taste buds a refreshing break after a spicy meal, these delicious (and healthy!) drinks will do the trick.

Strawberry Mango Lassi (from The Moosewood Restaurant Book of Dessert)
Serves 3

Blend together:
1 mango
1 cup yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup hulled strawberries
2 tbsp honey

Serve cold and garnish with a strawberry and some mint.

Priya’s Mango Lassi
Serves approx. 8

Bring the following to a boil, leave on medium heat for 15 minutes then let the mixture cool:
3/4 cup grated ginger
1 cup milk
1/2cup water
1.5 tbsp of cardamom
2 tbsp of cinnamon
A pinch of black pepper
A tinier pinch of red chili powder

Blend the ginger/spice mixture with the following:
1500g of yogurt (7.5 cups)
1 can of coconut milk
1 can of Kesar Mango Pulp (usually found in international sections of grocery stores)

Use a blender or hand mixer to blend everything together; if the mixture seems thick, add a little more milk. Again, garnish with mint and enjoy! Thank you for sharing your recipe, Priya! Sooo tasty!