A soothing, lightly‑sweet, spiced milk made with cardamom, fennel, and cinnamon. Perfect for winding down in the evening or as a gentle, tummy‑friendly sip after meals.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Soak (optional): 2–3 hrs
Cook Time: 3 mins
Total Time: 8 mins (or longer if soaking)
Serves: 1
Diet: Vegetarian | Gluten‑free | (Dairy‑free if using almond milk)
Ingredients
- 150 ml unsweetened almond milk (or use skim milk if preferred)
- 1 date, pitted (optional, for natural sweetness)
- 2 almonds, chopped or slivered
- 1 pinch cardamom (elaichi) powder
- 1 pinch fennel (saunf) powder
- 1 pinch cinnamon powder
Note: For a slightly richer cup, add 3–4 saffron strands while heating.
Method
- Optional soak (softer texture): Add the date and almonds to the milk and soak for 2–3 hours.
- Blend: Blend the soaked milk with the date and almonds until smooth. (If you skip the soak, you can still blend directly.)
- Warm: Pour into a saucepan and heat gently for 2–3 minutes. Avoid rolling boiling to preserve delicate flavors.
- Serve: Pour into a cup and garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom.
Tips & Variations
- No blender? Finely chop the date and almonds; simmer in milk for 3–4 minutes, then rest 2 minutes before serving.
- Sweetness swaps: Use jaggery powder, stevia, or honey (after heating) to taste if you skip the date.
- Flavor twists: Add nutmeg (tiny pinch) or black pepper (a crack) for a warming bedtime version.
- Cold version: Chill after blending and serve over ice for a refreshing spiced milk (Not for Fasting).
- Fasting‑friendly: Use almond milk and a date or stevia, as per your fasting rules.
Nutrition (estimated per 1 serving)
- With almond milk + date: ~65–80 kcal
- With almond milk, no date: ~40–50 kcal
- With skim milk + date: ~85–100 kcal
- With skim milk, no date: ~60–70 kcal
Actual values vary by brand/size of date and almonds. Spices add negligible calories.
FAQ
Can I skip the date?
Yes. Sweeten to taste with jaggery, stevia, or a small drizzle of honey after heating.
Can kids have this?
Yes, but reduce spices slightly for younger children.
Is almond milk necessary?
No—skim milk works great if you prefer dairy.
