Fresh Mango Smoothie with Kefir (Mango Lassi)

This tasty fresh mango smoothie drink is easy to make and offers plenty of health benefits. Start with fresh mango, add kefir for probiotic benefits, and omit adding any sugar since mango is sweet enough to fulfill the sweet tooth.

Benefits of Smoothies

I love smoothies. I discovered them at the beginning of my health journey and have made them a daily routine ever since, especially after my first daughter was born. Smoothies became the perfect way to introduce fresh fruits to babies who can't chew. You can learn more in my Healthy Banana Avocado Berries Smoothie recipe.

The best part about smoothies is the endless variety. You can mix different fruits and veggies, keeping them exciting. Even veggies you don't like can be masked by the creaminess of a banana or the freshness of berries.

I also love adding kefir to my smoothies. It appears in many of my recipes because it offers superior benefits compared to milk. For more on this, check out my How to Start Eating Clean for Beginners post to see why fermented dairy products, like plain kefir or plain yogurt, are better than milk.

Fresh Mango or Frozen Mango for Mango Kefir Smoothie

Using fresh fruits for smoothies is always best for capturing natural freshness, but frozen fruits are a great alternative.

I recall a class I took as a Biochemical Engineering student where we learned about the commercial freezing process for fruits. These fruits are picked at peak ripeness, ensuring top nutrient quality. The freezing process involves no added chemicals, except for ascorbic acid (vitamin C), making frozen fruits a safe option for your smoothie.

While fresh fruits are ideal, finding perfectly ripe mangoes can be challenging, especially here in the Northeast US. That's why I often opt for a bag of frozen mangoes instead.

How to Cut Fresh Mango

If you come across a perfectly ripe fresh mango at the store (which sometimes happens at Costco), you might wonder how to cut it.

First, keep in mind that a red-colored mango doesn't always mean it's ripe. To check for ripeness, gently press the fruit; it should be firm but give slightly, similar to an avocado.

Mangoes have an elongated flat seed at the center, so you'll need to cut around this seed. Here are two methods that work well:

1. Peeling Method:
   • Peel the mango using a vegetable peeler.
   • Place the mango on a cutting board.
   • Cut along both sides of the seed first, then cut the remaining sides.
   • Dice the flesh into cubes for smoothies.
2. No-Peel Method:
   • Skip peeling the mango.
   • Cut the sides off the mango as described above.
   • Hold the mango piece in your hand, flesh side up.
   • Make lengthwise and crosswise cuts in the flesh without cutting through the skin.
   • If the mango is very soft, scoop the cubes out with a spoon. Otherwise, use a small knife to cut away the cubes.

These methods ensure you get the most out of your mango for your smoothies!

Mango Kefir Smoothie is also known as Mango Lassi

We enjoy having Indian food occasionally, and we always order mango lassi. This fresh mango smoothie with kefir is similar to Indian mango lassi but without the cardamom powder.

If you prefer the authentic taste of an Indian mango lassi, feel free to sprinkle some cardamom powder on top!

Ingredients for Mango Kefir Smoothie and Preparation Tips

• 2 ripe mango
• ½ cup plain kefir
• ¼ cup ice cubes
• Cardamom powder (optional)

How to Prepare Mango Smoothie with Kefir

• Cut a ripe mango using the steps above.
• Add the mango pieces to a blender.
• Pour in ½ cup of kefir. Adjust the amount of kefir to your taste to control the smoothie's thickness.
• Add ¼ cup of ice cubes and blend until smooth.
• Optionally, sprinkle some cardamom powder on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Simply put, this refreshing mango smoothie is simple to prepare and packed with health benefits.

Using fresh mango provides natural sweetness, while adding kefir enhances probiotic intake. No added sugar is necessary, making it a delicious and healthy choice.

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