Mango-Kefir Lassi

Have any of you ever tried a traditional Indian Mango Lassi? Have any of you proceeded to fall in LOVE with this drink, before learning it's loaded with sugar, fat, and calories? (guilty). I decided to put the Tovita touch on this smoothie because I felt it had so much potential to be a healthy dessert (or breakfast, or snack, or whatever you want to call it) and honestly, I love mangoes. It's that simple. 

Some ingredients worth mentioning: I added tofu as a source of protein. Rather than adding protein powders, tofu is a good source of protein (7 - 9 grams per serving) and easily absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients. Plus its natural pudding-like consistency makes it a perfect addition to the recipe. Next, I added kefir because it's a great source of probiotics. Remember, probiotics are those organisms that provide a host of benefits to our guts. 

Ingredients (serves1):

• 1 cup cubed, frozen mango 
• 1/3 cup plain, unsweetened kefir 
• 1/3 inch slice of silky, organic tofu 
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup of vanilla almond milk (or other milk substitute) 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• dash of turmeric

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients together until evenly distributed. Note: may add more liquid base per consistency preference. (more liquid = thinner consistency; less liquid = thicker consistency) 

Mango Kefir Ice Cream

We've made berry ice cream, we've conjured up recipes for banana sundaes, but we have yet to use our beloved mangoes in the dessert department. This recipe is actually inspired by the traditional Indian lassi smoothie, which is essentially a mixture of fruit, milk, and spices. However, below we've swapped the milk for kefir to provide some probiotic power and a more ice-cream-like consistency. We've also topped the sweet treat with chili lime powder to give the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and zesty!  

Ingredients (serves 1): 

• 1 1/2 cups frozen mango, cubed
• 3/4 cup of plain kefir (we used Lifeway) 
• Chili lime powder 
• Optional: coconut flakes 

Directions:

1. Blend mango and kefir together on high, until contents appear well blended. 
2. Pour mixture into bowl, and top with ~1/2 teaspoon chili lime powder (may add more/less to taste)
3. May add ~1 tsp coconut flakes

Spotlight on Haitian Mangoes: Because Trying Unfamiliar Food is Fun

This week we’re all about Haitian mangoes, (also known as Madame Francis mangoes) which in our opinion are the most underrated types of mangoes on the market. Though they’re ubiquitous throughout Haiti, they are exported to the U.S. for just a short window during the spring season. So if you’re reading this today it’s NOT too late.

Most people are familiar with mangoes indigenous to Mexico and South America. Don’t get us wrong, we love the entire mango family, but these Haitain guys are special. They have a sweet and intense tropical flavor that pretty much makes your mouth feel like it’s on vacation.

They’re recognizable because they are flatter and hold a more elongated shape than their mango cousins. When ripe, they take on a yellowish-gold color and become freckled with little black dots. Cut them in half and their insides are a vibrant orangey-yellow.

If you’re not sold yet, we’ll give you a brief mango-nutrition 101 to seal the deal:

1) Studies have suggested that mangoes play a protective role in eye health by filtering out harmful rays, thanks to its antioxidant power

2) Dietary beta-carotene, another component of the mango, may protect against certain types of cancer – namely prostate cancer

3) They’re rich in vitamins A and C, which help to keep hair strong and skin radiant, as vitamin C is required for collagen production

4) They’re a good source of fiber, which provides a host of digestive benefits

We think Haitian mangoes are awesome sliced fresh and served plain. But you can also get creative and prepare these mangoes in a salad, salsa, or smoothie. Below is a mango salsa recipe adapted from Martha Stewart that adds a sweet and spicy kick to any grilled fish.

Ingredients:

• 1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1/2 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 small red onion, diced small
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped finely
• 1/2-1 habanero chile, minced (stem and seeds removed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and mix!

Aside from their health benefits, Haitian mangoes are simply really, really good. Trying new foods is always fun, so next time you’re in the grocery store, make it a point to ask where you can find a Francis mango. We can guarantee you won’t regret it.