It Takes Two to Mango

A friend and I were in an Indian restaurant on one of the record-breaking hot days we’ve had recently, and we each ordered a lassi--a cooling yogurt drink that is perfect with the spicy flavors of Indian cuisine. We chose mango lassis, which were very light, with a nice tang from the yogurt and sweet from now-plentiful fresh mangoes--the perfect hot weather drink.

Pick mangoes that are ripe and plump; avoid those with shriveled skin. You may want to add more or less sugar depending on how sweet the fruit is. Add just enough ice water to make the drink thin enough for sipping.

Deane is director of The Times Test Kitchen.

MANGO LASSIE

1 large or 2 small mangoes

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 cup ice water

3 ice cubes

Peel mango and cut fruit from seed. Cut fruit into chunks and puree in blender.

Process 1 cup pureed mango, yogurt, sugar and lemon juice in blender until smooth. Add ice water and blend until well combined. Add ice cubes and blend just until ice is crushed. Pour into frosted glasses and serve.

2 cups. Each 1-cup serving:

166 calories; 82 mg sodium; 2 mg cholesterol; 0 fat; 37 grams carbohydrates; 7 grams protein; 0.87 gram fiber.