Badam Milk
A creamy and comforting Indian drink made from blended almonds, warm milk, and fragrant spices like saffron and cardamom. This wholesome beverage is perfect for chilly evenings or as a nourishing treat.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add the almonds and soak in the hot water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and peel the skin off the almonds. In a small blender, combine the peeled almonds with 1/4 cup of the milk and blend to a smooth, fine paste.
- 2
Gently warm 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl
- a.Add the saffron strands and set aside to infuse for 10-15 minutes to release their color and aroma.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Pour the remaining milk into a heavy-bottomed pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the almond paste, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the sugar, cardamom powder, and the saffron-infused milk.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the milk thickens slightly. Turn off the heat. Garnish with slivered pistachios and almonds. Serve warm or chilled.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest texture, use whole milk. Low-fat milk will result in a thinner consistency.
- 2Don't grind the almonds for too long, as they might release oil and turn into almond butter.
- 3Always simmer the milk on low to medium heat to prevent it from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- 4You can make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can lightly toast the almonds before blanching them.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Adjust the sugar, as some plant-based milks are already sweetened.
diabetic friendlyDiabetic friendly
Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol according to your taste.
quickQuick
Use 1/4 cup of store-bought almond flour instead of whole almonds to skip the soaking, peeling, and grinding steps.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the sugar by half or use a healthier alternative like jaggery or date syrup for a different flavor profile.