Name: Masala Doodh Recipe - A Traditional Indian Spiced Milk Beverage
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: Full-fat milk – 2 cups; Cardamom pods (crushed) – 3; Cinnamon stick – 1-inch piece; Black peppercorns – 3-4 (optional, for extra warmth); Saffron strands – a generous pinch; Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp (optional, for health benefits); Sugar or honey – 1-2 tbsp (adjust to taste); Chopped almonds – 1 tbsp; Chopped cashews – 1 tbsp; Pistachios (chopped) – 1 tbsp (optional); Rose petals – for garnish (optional)

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A warm glass of Masala Doodh, an Indian spiced milk drink garnished with saffron strands and chopped almonds. — Masala Doodh – A comforting, spiced milk drink.

Best Masala Doodh Recipe

Simmer Milk for 10-15 mins:
Full-fat milk – 2 cups
Cardamom pods (crushed) – 2-3
Cinnamon stick – 1-inch piece
Cloves – 2-3
Saffron strands – a pinch
Turmeric – 1/4 tsp (optional)
Sugar – 1-2 tbsp (optional, adjust to taste)

Strain and Serve:
Strain the milk to remove whole spices and serve warm. Garnish as desired.

Garnish (Optional):
A few extra saffron strands
Chopped almonds or cashews – 1 tbsp

Introduction: What is Masala Doodh?

This Masala Doodh recipe is a traditional Indian drink made by combining warm milk with a blend of aromatic spices. This comforting beverage is a winter favorite in many Indian households and is known for its health benefits. The spices used in Masala Doodh vary from region to region, but common ingredients include cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, all of which contribute to its distinctive flavor and aroma.

Whether enjoyed as an evening drink or during festivals like Diwali, Masala Doodh not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul. In this post, we will take you through the origins of Masala Doodh, its health benefits, and the step-by-step recipe for making this delicious drink at home.If you’re interested in more Indian drinks, be sure to check out our guide to Shikhanji Indian Lemonade for another delicious drink.

The History of Masala Doodh

Masala Doodh has a long-standing tradition in Indian culture, dating back to ancient times when Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine, was developed. In Ayurveda, milk is considered a source of nourishment, and when combined with spices, it is believed to have various medicinal properties. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron were used not only to enhance the flavor but also to promote digestion, balance body temperature, and improve overall health.

Over the years, Masala Doodh has become a comforting drink, enjoyed especially during colder months. It is often consumed as a bedtime drink for its relaxing properties, helping to promote restful sleep.

Health Benefits of Masala Doodh

Masala Doodh is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding this spiced milk drink to your daily routine:

Boosts Immunity: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves boosts the body’s immune system. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties and help fight infections.
Improves Digestion: Spices such as cardamom and ginger are known for their digestive benefits. They help in relieving indigestion, bloating, and other stomach issues, making Masala Doodh a great post-meal drink.
Promotes Relaxation: The warmth of the milk combined with the calming spices helps in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Drinking Masala Doodh before bedtime can help improve sleep quality.
Rich in Nutrients: Milk is a rich source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle development. Combined with the antioxidants from the spices, Masala Doodh becomes a nourishing drink for the body.
Supports Skin Health: The anti-inflammatory properties of spices like turmeric and saffron can promote healthy skin. Regular consumption of Masala Doodh may help in improving skin tone and texture.

Masala Doodh Ingredients

To make Masala Doodh, you will need the following ingredients:

Full-fat milk: The base of the drink. You can also use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if preferred.
Sugar: Optional, depending on how sweet you want the drink.
Cardamom: For a warm, aromatic flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice and sweetness.
Cloves: A key ingredient that adds depth to the flavor.
Saffron: Adds a rich color and luxurious flavor.
Turmeric (optional): Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Almonds and cashews (optional): These nuts add texture and richness to the drink.

Step-by-Step Recipe to Make Masala Doodh

Ingredients:

2 cups full-fat milk (or plant-based milk)
2-3 cardamom pods
1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
1 pinch saffron strands
1-2 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp turmeric (optional, for added health benefits)
1 tbsp chopped almonds or cashews (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Milk: In a saucepan, add the milk and place it over medium heat. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Add the Spices: Once the milk starts boiling, add the crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and saffron strands. If you’re using turmeric, add it at this point.
Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat and let the milk simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the milk with their aroma and flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure the milk doesn’t boil over.
Sweeten the Milk: Add sugar to the milk if you prefer a sweetened drink. Stir until the sugar is dissolved completely.
Strain and Serve: After the milk has simmered and absorbed the flavors of the spices, strain it into a cup or mug to remove the solid spices.
Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish the Masala Doodh with chopped almonds or cashews for extra texture and richness. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting drink!

Variations of Masala Doodh

While the traditional Masala Doodh recipe is quite simple, you can experiment with different spices and flavors to suit your taste. Here are some variations you can try:

Saffron Masala Doodh: Add extra saffron strands for a more intense flavor and color. Saffron gives Masala Doodh a luxurious feel, perfect for special occasions.
Turmeric Masala Doodh: Add a teaspoon of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory benefits. This variation is especially popular during the winter months.
Vegan Masala Doodh: Use almond milk or coconut milk as a base for a dairy-free version of Masala Doodh. The spices will blend well with plant-based milk and give a similar taste.
Nutty Masala Doodh: Add crushed pistachios, almonds, or cashews to the milk while it’s simmering to enhance the richness of the drink.

Conclusion

Masala Doodh is a warm, comforting drink that not only nourishes the body but also offers a blend of flavors that can soothe and relax. Whether you’re making it as a bedtime drink, as a treat during the holidays, or simply as a way to warm up on a cold evening, Masala Doodh is the perfect option for any occasion.

This drink’s combination of milk and spices provides numerous health benefits, making it a great addition to your diet, especially during the colder months. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare!

We hope this guide to making Masala Doodh helps you enjoy this wonderful drink at home. Try it out, and let us know your favorite variation!