Fig & Tulsi Lassi with Honey and Almonds

This easy, summer lassi recipe features layers of sweet fruit and savory flavors.

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine Indian

Dish Type smoothie

Cooking Style fast

Diet and Health Healthy

Seasonal summer

Ingredient fig, Greek yogurt

Servings (1/2 c servings)

Author Nandita Godbole

3 cups plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
8 Black Mission figs stems trimmed
1 cup cold water
2-4 tbsp cane sugar
15 leaves fresh holy basil or fresh mint (do not substitute with fresh Italian basil)
1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish
3 tbsp honey for garnish
1 tbsp tsp sweet basil seeds for garnish, optional, soaked in water

Combine the yogurt and figs to a smooth puree in a blender.
While the motor is still running, slowly pour in the cold water, ¼ cup at a time until fully combined.
Add 2 tablespoons sugar. Blend and taste for sweetness. The natural sweetness of the figs and yogurt will determine if you need more sugar. (Add up to 2 additional tablespoons if needed.)
Once the desired sweetness is achieved, add the holy basil leaves and give it one last blend.
Check again for sweetness and adjust if needed. All the ingredients should be well combined now. (The holy basil leaves can also be reserved until just before serving as part of the garnish.)
Pour the lassi into tall drinking glasses or champagne flutes to show off the color; garnish with sliced almonds, drizzle honey on top and sprinkle some sweet basil seeds (optional).
Enjoy chilled.

Note that the almonds, honey and sweet basil seeds are optional garnishes. But they add incredible texture to this smooth, creamy drink.