Badam milk (also known as Almond Flavored Milk) is a popular Indian beverage made with almond paste, milk, sugar, and flavored with saffron and ground cardamom. This rich and creamy badam milk can be served hot or cold, and is often served as a sweet treat.
No matter what the season is, a tall glass of milk sets everything right. Be it summer or winter, delicious milk with flavors is adored by people of all age groups. You must have tried a variety of milk-based recipes. For instance, Kheer, payasam, and more.
If you are up for something different yet very healthy and delicious, we bring you a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your appetite. Yes, here we are talking about the quintessential Indian drink ‘Badam Milk’ or ‘Almond Flavored Milk’. However, if you think this badam milk is not derived from almonds. You are wrong! It is rather a milk-based drink flavored with almonds and other ingredients.
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What Is Badam Milk?
Badam milk is a popular Indian drink made with almond paste, milk, sugar, and flavored with saffron and ground cardamom.
Although it is a tasty beverage, its texture and calories make it rather full. The beverage is mostly offered at weddings, festivals, celebrations, and events. This healthy and delicious drink is enjoyed by people of all ages in India and around the world.
Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Serving it to children as a flavored beverage is also a fantastic idea.
Health Benefits
- Almonds are full of fiber, protein, good fats, and other nutrients that provide us with quick energy and help us feel refreshed.
- Additionally, almonds are a great source of vital vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and protect against seasonal illnesses like the flu and the common cold.
- On the other hand, milk is regarded as a superfood that nourishes the body with a number of crucial nutrients and improves the health of our bones.
- This beverage should be consumed before bed to help with insomnia and to promote a good night's sleep.
Badam Milk Recipe Ingredients
Below are the ingredients required to make a kesar badam milk recipe at home.
- Badam: Use good quality whole almonds that are not rancid. They are easily available in any grocery store or online.
- Milk: Use full-fat milk for the creamy and rich badam milk. However, you can use unsweetened almond milk as a plant-based option.
- Sugar: I used regular sugar in this recipe. You can use any sweetener of your choice. Adjust the sugar according to your taste.
- Saffron: It gives the milk a beautiful golden-yellow hue and flavor to the drink.
- Cardamom powder: is added to enhance the flavor of the drink. Skip if you don't have one.
How To Make Badam Milk
Soak the whole almonds in water for 4-5 hours or in hot water for at least 15 minutes. Once done, peel off the skin. Soaking in hot water helps to peel the skin easily.
Now, blend the soaked almonds, sugar, saffron strands, and ¼ cup of milk until you get a smooth and fine paste.
Next, boil the remaining milk in a large heavy-bottomed pan.
When the milk has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer the milk, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes.
Add the almond saffron paste. Thoroughly combine everything.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Add in ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder and mix well.
Once done, switch off the stove and serve the drink hot or cold. Top it up with chopped pistachios and a few Kesar strands.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this drink both as a hot and cold beverage. For hot, serve as soon as the drink gets ready. For cold, store the prepared drink in the fridge, and take it out whenever you want to enjoy it.
Top it up with chopped Almonds, pistachios, and a few kesar strands to get that crunch and additional flavors.
In Karnataka, badam milk is often served over chiroti at weddings and other special occasions.
Storage Suggestions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight jar or bottle and keep in the refrigerator. It stays good for 2-3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat: Leftover badam milk can be reheated in the microwave until warm if you don’t prefer chilled milk.
Tips to make the Best Badam Milk
- Soak the almonds: Almonds should be soaked overnight or in hot water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Nuts taste better and are simpler to digest after soaking.
- Sweetener: If you want to make the drink a lot healthier, you can use jaggery, coconut sugar, or dates instead of sugar.
- Use good quality almonds: Use fresh and good quality almonds for the best-tasting badam milk. Almonds that are old or rancid can alter the taste.
- Blend the almonds properly: Blend the almonds with milk until you get a smooth and fine paste for creamy and rich-tasting almond milk.
- Strain the milk: If you don't want to chew on the almond bits while drinking the milk, strain it and serve it.
Variations
- Vegan: use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option.
- Rose Badam Milk: Add a few drops of rose water or fresh rose petals for a variation.
- Chocolate badam milk: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the badam milk for a twist.
More Indian Beverage Recipes
- Mango Lassi
- Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)
- Strawberry Lassi
- Masala Chai
- Golden Turmeric Milk
- Ash Gourd Juice
- Mango Milkshake
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Badam Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 20-22 almonds
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups whole milk divided
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 pinch of saffron
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions
- Soak the whole almonds in water for 4-5 hours or in hot water for at least 15 minutes. Once done, peel off the skin. Soaking in hot water helps to peel the skin easily.
- Now, blend the soaked almonds, sugar, saffron strands, and ¼ cup of milk until you get a smooth and fine paste.
- Next, boil the remaining milk in a large heavy-bottomed pan.
- When the milk has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer the milk, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes.
- Add the almond saffron paste. Thoroughly combine everything.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Add in ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder and mix well.
- Once done, switch off the stove and serve the drink hot or cold. Top it up with chopped pistachios and a few Kesar strands.
Notes
Tips to make the Best Badam Milk
- Soak the almonds: Almonds should be soaked overnight or in hot water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Nuts taste better and are simpler to digest after soaking.
- Sweetener: If you want to make the drink a lot healthier, you can use jaggery, coconut sugar, or dates instead of sugar.
- Use good quality almonds: Use fresh and good quality almonds for the best-tasting badam milk. Almonds that are old or rancid can alter the taste.
- Blend the almonds properly: Blend the almonds with milk until you get a smooth and fine paste for creamy and rich-tasting almond milk.
- Strain the milk: If you don't want to chew on the almond bits while drinking the milk, strain it and serve it.
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