There is actually a much easier (and lazier) method for making lassi.

Add 3/4 cup buttermilk to 1/4 cup crushed ice. Shake it up (this is the fun part!). As any Indian can tell you, lassi can be made either sweet or sour, depending on your taste. If you want it sweet, add sugar until it's sweet enough. If you want it sour, add salt to your taste. Mint is optional. Shake it up again (more fun!).

An interesting variation i've had is mango lassi. This basically involves adding some very ripe, juicy mango to the buttermilk and putting it through the blender. Add sugar, cardomom if you want.

The main problem i've had with making lassi in the states is that the buttermilk is too thick. Indian lassi is water thin and i really miss that. I've compensated by adding water or ice to dilute it.

Rau@Wam.Umd.Edu (Polythene Pam)