Yes, lassi is supposed to be slightly sour, especially if it's made with traditional yogurt. The sourness comes from the yogurt's fermentation process and indicates the presence of beneficial bacteria.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Yogurt Base: Lassi is traditionally made with yogurt, and the type of yogurt used significantly impacts the final taste. Yogurt with live cultures, known for their probiotic benefits, tend to have a more pronounced sour flavor. This sourness is desirable as it contributes to the characteristic tang of a good lassi.
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Dilution and Sweeteners: While the yogurt base might be sour, lassi is often diluted with water or milk and sweetened with sugar, fruit (like mango), or spices. These additions balance the sourness, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
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Variations: Different types of lassi exist. Sweet lassi is designed to minimize the sour taste, while salted lassi embraces it. Mango lassi, a popular variation, uses the sweetness of mangoes to offset the yogurt's tartness.
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Why Sourness is Important: The slight sourness in lassi is not a flaw; it's an essential component of its flavor profile and indicates that the yogurt used is likely fresh and contains live cultures (probiotics). As the reference states, a slight sourness helps the yogurt flavor retain its character after being diluted.
In summary, a slight sourness is a characteristic and desirable trait in traditional lassi, often balanced by sweeteners or other ingredients.
