Indian Saffron Almond Milk (Kesar Badam Doodh) Recipe
Saffron Almond
Milk
Saffron almond milk is a luxurious and flavorful beverage that combines the delicate aroma and golden hue of saffron with the rich and creamy texture of almond milk. Saffron, which is derived from the Crocus sativus flower, is known for its distinct flavor and vibrant color, making it a prized ingredient in many cuisines around the world. On the other hand, almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from ground almonds, water, and often sweeteners and flavorings.
The combination of saffron and almond milk creates a unique and indulgent beverage that is both delicious and visually stunning. The saffron adds a subtle floral note and a warm, earthy flavor to the creamy sweetness of the almond milk. The golden color of saffron imparts a beautiful hue to the milk, giving it an exotic and elegant appearance.
It’s very much beneficial for health as well as it’s yummy to drink. Saffron Almond Milk is a treasure of nutrients.
More on Badam Milk
Saffron almond milk is a type of milk alternative that combines the flavors of saffron and almonds. It is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option that can be enjoyed by individuals who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.
To make saffron almond milk, you would typically start by soaking almonds in water for several hours or overnight. This will makes the almonds soft and easier to blend. After soaking, the almonds are typically drained and rinsed before being blended with fresh water.
Once the almonds and water are blended together, the mixture is strained using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove the almond pulp, resulting in a smooth and creamy liquid. Saffron threads, which are known for their distinct flavor and vibrant color, are then added to the milk to infuse it with saffron’s unique taste and appearance.
Saffron almond milk can be sweetened with a natural sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, or dates, according to personal preference. Some recipes may also include additional flavorings like vanilla extract or cardamom to enhance the overall taste.
This milk alternative can be used in various ways, such as a base for smoothies, poured over cereal, or enjoyed on its own as a refreshing beverage. It provides a rich source of nutrients from almonds, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s worth noting that saffron is a highly prized and expensive spice. Therefore, saffron almond milk may be considered a more luxurious or gourmet option compared to regular almond milk.
How To Make
Making this tasty almond-infused milk is quite simple. Here’s how it’s done;
- Soak the almonds in warm water for 4-5 hours or overnight. This softens the almonds and makes them easier to blend.
- Drain the soaked almonds and rinse them with cold water. Remove the skins by gently squeezing each almond between your fingers. The skins should easily slip off. Discard the skins. Place the peeled almonds in a blender or food processor. Add a little water (about 1/4 cup) and blend until you get a smooth paste. You can adjust the amount of water depending on the desired consistency.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. Add the almond paste to the simmering milk and stir well to combine. Continue to cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Add the sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the badam milk cool for a few minutes.
- Strain the badam milk through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining almond pieces.
- Pour the strained badam milk into serving glasses or cups. Garnish with chopped almonds on top.
Serve the Badam Milk warm or chilled, according to your preference.
Expert Tips for Badam Milk
Quality of Almonds: Choose good quality, fresh almonds for the best flavor and texture in your Badam Milk. Look for plump almonds, uniform in size, and have a sweet aroma.
Soaking and peeling almonds: Soaking the almonds helps in easy peeling. Ensure you soak them for at least 4-5 hours or overnight for optimal results. The skins should easily slip off after soaking. Removing the skins gives the Badam Milk a smoother consistency and eliminates any bitterness.
Blending almonds: When blending the soaked and peeled almonds, use a blender or food processor capable of producing a smooth paste. Blend them with a little water until you achieve a creamy and lump-free consistency.
Milk selection: Full-fat milk works best for Badam Milk, as it adds richness and creaminess. However, you can also use plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or cashew milk for a vegan version. Adjust the sweetness accordingly, as some store-bought almond milk might already contain added sugar.
Simmering and stirring: After adding the almond paste to the milk, simmer the mixture on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching or forming skin. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and infuse into the milk.
Sweetness adjustment: The amount of sugar can vary according to personal preference. Start with a moderate amount of sugar and gradually adjust it to suit your taste. Keep in mind that the sweetness will slightly intensify as the Badam Milk cools down.
Flavor enhancements: Add a pinch of cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron to elevate the flavor and aroma of the Badam Milk. These aromatic spices complement the almond’s natural nuttiness and add a delightful twist.
Straining the milk: Straining the Badam Milk helps to achieve a smooth and silky texture by removing any coarse almond particles. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the milk before serving.
Serving suggestions: Serve Badam Milk warm or chilled, according to your preference. Garnish with chopped almonds on top for an extra crunch. You can also sprinkle a few strands of saffron for an appealing presentation.
Storage: If you have leftovers, you can store Badam Milk in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Remember to give it a good stir before serving, as some settling might occur.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought almond powder instead of whole almonds?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought almond powder or almond meal as a substitute for whole almonds. Simply mix the almond powder with a little water to form a smooth paste before adding it to the milk.
Q: Can I use sweetened almond milk instead of regular milk?
A: Yes, you can use sweetened almond milk instead of regular milk. However, keep in mind that it will already contain added sugar, so you may need to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Q: Can I make Badam Milk without sugar?
A: Yes, if you prefer a sugar-free version, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Q: Can I add other flavors to Badam Milk?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors like rose water, cardamom, cinnamon, or even a hint of vanilla extract to customize the taste of your Badam Milk.
Q: Can I make Badam Milk in advance?
A: You can make Badam Milk in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture may slightly change upon refrigeration, so give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I serve Badam Milk hot?
A: Yes, Badam Milk can be served both hot and chilled, depending on your preference. Adjust the serving temperature according to your taste and the weather.
Q: Is Badam Milk suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals?
A: If you use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk or cashew milk, Badam Milk can be made suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. Just ensure that the chosen milk alternative is free from lactose.
Q: Can I add other nuts to Badam Milk?
A: While Badam Milk traditionally uses almonds, you can experiment with other nuts like cashews or pistachios to create variations in flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall taste of the beverage.
Q: Can I serve Badam Milk with any accompaniments?
A: Badam Milk can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink. However, you can pair it with traditional Indian sweets, and cookies, or even serve it alongside breakfast items like toast or pancakes for a delicious combination.
Try our Other Milk Recipes
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Almond Milk Recipe Card
Equipments
Ingredients
Baking & Spices
- 3 Green Cardamom
- 1 pinch Saffron
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
Nuts & Seeds
- 20 Almonds
Dairy
- 2 cup Milk
Instructions
- Soak almond in hot water for 20 mins.2. After 20 mins discard the water and then remove the skin of each almond. It will come off easily.3. Transfer blanched almonds with 1/4 cup milk to a blender.4. Blend to a smooth paste. Set it aside.5. Now transfer the remaining milk to a pan and & adjust the flame from high to low.6. Once the milk in the pan come to boil, add the prepare almond paste to it. Stir to combine.7. Make the flame low & let the milk simmer for 10-15 mins. Stir often so that milk does not get stuck to the bottom of the pan. The raw smell of almonds should disappear completely.8. Add saffron in the milk.9. Then add the sugar & stir until it dissolved. 10. Finally add the crushed cardamom seeds.11. Mix everything together & turn off the heat.12. Now last but not the least sprinkle some almonds & saffron on it.
Video
Notes
- Remember to always soak the almonds. You can opt to soak them for 30 minutes in hot water or consider soaking them for 8 hours in room temperature water.
- Peel the almonds to get a smooth, fine and creamy consistency in the badam milk.
- Ensure that the almonds are ground to a fine or superfine consistency. A coarsely ground mixture of the almonds will irritate the throat.
- Make a vegan variation by adding your preferred plant based milk.
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