Masala Dudh, or Masala Dudh, is a sweet Indian drink made with almonds, garam masala and your choice of milk. You can sweeten this cardamom and saffron spiced drink with sugar or keep it naturally sweet using dates! I like to drink it as a dessert – it's sweet and filling.
What is Masala Doodh?
When it comes to hot drinks, some people like it hot chocolatesome choice Golden Milkor want. I like them all (haha), but especially the Masala Dod.
Because the issue is:
- A comforting drink on a cold and rainy night. It's perfect before bed – this drink is relaxing and soothing.
- It's a healthy alternative to hot chocolate on a snowy day.
- It's a coffee replacement for the morning when you want a warm drink without caffeine.
You can make masala milk by boiling ground almonds and spices like cardamom, saffron, turmeric in milk. I like to use full-fat whole milk because it makes for a rich and decadent dessert, but you can use whatever milk you like.
I like to garnish the masala dod with chopped almonds and saffron when serving it to guests, but it's not necessary and I don't usually do it when I make it for myself.
A naturally sweet Indian dessert
You can use any sweetener for masala dodh. If you are looking for a sweet treat, then use sugar. If you're trying to curb sugar cravings, dates are the way to go.
I like to use chopped dates – not only does it sweeten the milk naturally, but you can enjoy the softened caramelized dates when the drink is done. You can use a spoon to grab some dates and eat while sipping the masala milk.
Masala Doodh Ingredients
- Raw Nuts: Almonds, cashews, pistachios
- White poppy seeds or pumpkin seeds: My Nani would add poppy seeds to her masala milk, so I added that to my mix but if you don't want to or can't find them, use pumpkin seeds! They taste just as good – and I love the added health benefits of pumpkin seeds (they're a good source of iron – which I'm always lacking).
- Spices: Cardamom, saffron, turmeric
- the milk: You can use milk of your choice! I find regular milk gives a creamier, richer drink. Almond milk is also good. Sometimes I'll combine the two.
- Sweetener: You can use dates or sugar. I think dates make a nice naturally sweet dessert but if you're in the mood for something a little more decadent, add a teaspoon of sugar – or better yet, both!
A note about ingredients + optional additions: This masala dudh is easy to adapt, so feel free to play around with what you add to this recipe. I almost always add ¼ teaspoon of chia seeds – I love that addition! I recommend making it as written once – after that, edit it as you like! Play with the spices – add some nutmeg or even cinnamon or cloves. Try using different nuts – maybe some macadamias or walnuts. This is a very forgiving recipe – however, the recipe below is my personal favorite combination.
How to make Masala Doodh Powder + Masala Doodh
First of all, you have to make masala milk powder! Toast the nuts and seeds and then let them cool.
Grind the nuts and seeds into a powder and store the powder in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Having masala dudh powder ready makes it easy to make masala dudh whenever you want.
When you are ready to make the masala dod, add milk and chopped dates or sugar to a pot and bring it to a low boil. Then add masala milk powder and boil.
Turn off the heat, pour into a glass and enjoy! Once you're done drinking, use a spoon to eat the soft dates at the bottom of your cup!
More Indian drinks to try:
To prepare masala milk powder:
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Add almonds and poppy seeds to a pan over low heat. Toast for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and let them cool completely.
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Once cooled, add saffron, cardamom, turmeric along with almonds and poppy seeds in a spice grinder. Crush it. I suggest grinding in two batches. You want to make sure it's a powder – don't over grind or it might turn into nut butter.
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Pour the ground almonds into a bowl and store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
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Use 2 tablespoons of dudh masala for every 8 ounces of milk.
To make masala dod:
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Add whole milk and chopped dates (or sugar) to a pot and bring it to a low boil.
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Add the masala milk powder and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and pour the dod and dates into a glass and enjoy. Once you're done drinking, use a spoon to eat the soft caramel dates at the bottom of your cup!
You can take out the dates or leave them in. If you like sugar, skip the dates and add 1 teaspoon of sugar instead.
Almond milk Turmeric
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