Banana or Mango Lassi

Lassi is a sweet and spicy beverage from India that traditionally is made with yogurt. This dairy-free version is delicious and makes a wonderful breakfast or snack.
        
        Ingredients
        
        Makes 3 servings
        
        2 cups fortified plain or vanilla soy- or rice milk
        1 frozen or fresh banana, or 1 small ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks
        3 pitted dates, chopped
        1 teaspoon ground cardamom
        1/4 teaspoon black pepper
        
        Directions
        
        Combine all ingredients in blender and process until very smooth and creamy. Serve cold.
        Tip: Lassi is best served well chilled. If the nondairy milk and fruit are cold, you can serve at once. If they are room temperature, the lassi will taste best if it is chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
        
        Per serving (3/4 cup): calories: 135; fat: 2.6 g; saturated fat: 0.4 g; calories from fat: 17.3%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 5.8 g; carbohydrates: 24.4 g; sugar: 13.1 g; fiber: 3.3 g; sodium: 85 mg; calcium: 188 mg; iron: 1.8 mg; vitamin C: 3.7 mg; beta-carotene: 11 mcg; vitamin E: 2 mg
        
        Recipe by Jo Stepaniak found in Breaking the Food Seduction by Neal Barnard, M.D.