Kefir, what? Yeah, I thought you might ask that one. Kefir, actually pronounced ka-feer, is a fermented milk drink, sort of like a “drinkable yogurt”, loaded with nourishing probiotics (think good gut bacteria). Thought to have originated in Western Europe over 5,000 years ago, kefir has a slight tangy, sour taste and a fizzy, creamy mouth feel that is a bit thinner than yogurt.
For those of you who might be vegan or limit your intake of dairy, you can choose coconut milk or water kefir varieties instead. Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, I literally down a bottle of Inner-Eco’s coconut water kefir within two days and I swear it always helps! If you want to learn how to do this process yourself, check out Don’t Waste The Crumb’s tutorial on making milk kefir or Cultures for Health’s video on making water kefir. The next thing on my forever long to-do list is to make water kefir myself, as it’s actually pretty simple.
TIP :: Choose an organic, hormone-free milk kefir and opt for one that is not sweetened, especially if you are going to be drinking it regularly. For me, since dairy is a once-in-a-while food (gut issues!) I indulged in a lightly honey sweetened version.
I amped up this mango lassi recipe with some fresh ground spices. Turmeric, cayenne, and ginger bring a bit of warming heat, opening up the blood vessels, and plenty of anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties! I love adding them into a many recipes as I can to get their amazing health benefits.
Spiced Kefir Mango Lassi
Serves 1-2
If using unsweetened kefir, add 3-5 pitted medjool dates or 1 tablespoon of honey to the recipe to balance plain kefir’s tartness.
1 mango, peeled and chopped (about 1-1.5 cups)
1 cup non-fat milk kefir (I used a lightly honey sweetened version)
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Few shakes of cayenne pepper, to taste
1/4 cup ice, as needed to chill
Directions: Add all ingredients into a blender, in the order listed. Secure lid and blend on high until smooth. Enjoy immediately!
Hope you all enjoy this one! Head on over to Chard in Charge to check out my recipes and to see what “f” word Jess is sharing over there today!
xo Dianna
Ok I am going to have to try this combination! It sounds teeensy bit scary but I like that it isn’t one of the more normal smoothie/drink flavors I go to.
http://www.theadoredlife.com
This looks different and super yummy–I absolutely LOVE mango!
I love mango lassis! I’ll have to try out this recipe!!!
Abby
http://www.champagneplans.com
It’s not scary at all, I promise! Be sure to check out Jessica’s style post over on my blog today 🙂
It’s a good one!! xo
I love mango too, and what better time than mango season right now to try a new recipe!
I’ve never tried Kefir but this looks so delicious I’m definitely going to have to give it a try!
xo jen
Pearls & Lace