Badam Harira
A warm, comforting North Indian drink made from creamy almond paste, milk, and fragrant saffron. This rich and nutty beverage is perfect for chilly evenings or as a nourishing tonic.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Almonds and Saffron
- b.Soak the almonds in hot water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will make them easy to peel.
- c.Once soaked, drain the water and peel the skins off all the almonds. Discard the skins.
- d.In a small bowl, take 2 tablespoons of warm milk from the total 4 cups and add the saffron strands to it. Let it infuse while you prepare the paste.
- e.Place the peeled almonds in a blender or grinder. Add 3-4 tablespoons of milk (from the 4 cups) and blend until you get a very smooth, fine paste. Add a little more milk if needed to facilitate grinding.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Almond Paste
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or pot over low-medium heat.
- c.Add the prepared almond paste to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously. The paste will become fragrant and may slightly change color. This step is crucial to cook out the raw taste of almonds.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Harira
- b.While whisking continuously, gradually pour the remaining milk into the pan. Constant whisking is key to preventing lumps.
- c.Add the sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- d.Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- e.Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. The harira will thicken slightly.
- f.Stir in the saffron-infused milk and the cardamom powder. Cook for one more minute to combine the flavors.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. The harira will continue to thicken as it cools.
- c.Pour the hot Badam Harira into serving mugs or bowls.
- d.Garnish with slivered pistachios and a few extra saffron strands if desired.
- e.Serve immediately while warm and comforting.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest paste, use a high-powered blender. If your paste isn't perfectly smooth, you can strain the harira before serving.
- 2Sautéing the almond paste in ghee is a vital step for developing a deep, nutty flavor. Don't skip it.
- 3Always add the milk gradually while whisking to avoid lumps. If lumps form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
- 4The consistency is a matter of preference. For a thicker, kheer-like consistency, simmer for a few extra minutes. For a thinner drink, reduce the simmering time.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg powder along with the cardamom.
- 6This drink can also be chilled and served cold during warmer months for a refreshing treat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute dairy milk with almond milk or oat milk for a plant-based version. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of ghee.
SweetenerSweetener
Replace white sugar with jaggery powder, date paste, or maple syrup. If using jaggery, add it at the very end after turning off the heat to prevent curdling.
FlavorFlavor
Add a few drops of rose water or kewra water at the end of cooking for a floral aroma.
Nut MixNut Mix
Incorporate 8-10 cashews or a few walnuts along with the almonds when making the paste for a more complex nutty flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats & Protein
Almonds are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, protein, and Vitamin E, which support heart health, muscle maintenance, and skin health.
Natural Energy Booster
The combination of nuts, milk, and ghee provides a sustained release of energy, making it an ideal nourishing drink for post-fasting, during recovery, or as a breakfast beverage.
Excellent Source of Calcium
Made with a significant amount of milk, this beverage is rich in calcium and Vitamin D, which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Warming & Comforting
According to Ayurveda, spices like saffron and cardamom have warming properties. This makes the drink ideal for cold weather, helping to soothe the throat and provide comfort.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Badam Harira (approximately 1 cup or 260g) contains around 350-400 calories, primarily from the milk, almonds, sugar, and ghee. The exact count can vary based on the type of milk and amount of sugar used.