A familiar sound in the streets of Delhi in the summer months is the rhythmic juggling of liquid and ice from one jug (loota) to another. What is being prepared is the heavenly yogurt drink called lassi. This foamy and frothy liquid, besides being so tasty, is perhaps the most healthful and nutritious drink in the world.

For a classic lassi, the quality of the yogurt is of prime importance. It should be slightly sour, so that when it is diluted it still retains a strong yogurt flavor. Also, it is essential that the yogurt be rich and creamy, or else the lassi will taste watery. Since American yogurt lacks the right creaminess, you will need to add a little cream to enrich it.

Makes 2 eight-ounce servings:
1½ c. plain yogurt
3 T. heavy cream
1 T. rose water
6 T. sugar
9-10 standard-size ice cubes

• Put yogurt, cream, rose water, and sugar in the container of an electric blender, and blend ½ minute or until the sugar is fully dissolved.
• Add ice cubes, and continue blending for another ½ minute or until the yogurt drink is frothy (the ice cubes will not disintegrate fully).
• Pour the drink, with the ice cubes, into 2 tall glasses and serve.

Make as above, adding about ½ cup of fresh fruit chunks and eliminating the rose water. Ideas: Mango, Banana, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Berry, Pear, Mixture of various fruits ... Depending on the sweetness of the fruit, you may want to add more sugar.

Note: Lassi may be made ahead and kept refrigerated for 2-3 days. Just before serving, run it through the electric blender for a few seconds to froth it up. Do not add more ice cubes, as they will dilute the lassi.