Lassi, also known as buttermilk, is a drink that is had in most Indian households. Since curd is an integral part of Indian meals, children get to see someone in the home busily churn buttermilk on those hot and humid afternoons. Lassi-making is a multi-step activity that draws young children because it involves pouring water, transferring the curd and churning the mixture. Traditionally, in South India, we use a மத்து (matthu) to churn the buttermilk, but in this case, I have used a whisk.

Who is this for?

I would begin around 20 months.

Things Required

• 3 small bowls for (jaggery, cardamom and saffron) 
• 1 tumbler/pitcher for water
• 1 medium size bowl for thick curd
• 1 spoon for the curd
• 1 large bowl for whisking
• 1 small whisk
• Glasses for sharing

Preparation

I find that to spoon curd into a bowl calls for more focus and eye-hand coordination which challenges young children. They may lose interest if they are older. Instead of having water in a tumbler, walking to fetch water is an option which young children, who have just begun walking, enjoy.

As always, you are the best judge of what works well for your child in your kitchen! 

Illustrated Guide

I like to begin with an invitation, “It’s such a hot day, let’s make some sweet lassi for all of us.” Introduce everything on the tray (if you have them arranged) else tell the child what we need and gather them together. Pause and take in the aroma, texture and appearance of each of the spices – jaggery, saffron and cardamom.

Show the child to spoon the curd into the whisking bowl.

Pour the water into the bowl.

Now guide the child to add each of the spices.

Begin whisking! This movement needs to be exaggerated and slowed down for the child to observe! When the child repeats after, let them whisk however they can.

Involve the child in putting the items back in their place (or for wash)

Short Guide

• I like to begin with an invitation, “It’s such a hot day, let’s make some sweet lassi for all of us.”
• Introduce everything on the tray (if you have them arranged) else tell the child what we need and gather them together.
• Pause and take in the aroma, texture and appearance of each of the spices – jaggery, saffron and cardamom.
• Show the child to spoon the curd into the whisking bowl.
• Pour the water into the bowl.
• Now guide the child to add each of the spices.
• Begin whisking. This movement needs to be exaggerated and slowed down for the child to observe.
• Let the child whisk however they can.
• Involve the child in putting the items back in their place (or for wash)