This Saffron Cardamom Milk (also called Kesar Elaichi Doodh in India) is a gently spiced, creamy drink infused with saffron strands, ground cardamom, and optionally nuts or honey. It’s both delicious and believed to promote relaxation, digestion, and better sleep.
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
- Naturally soothing
- Easy to make with a luxurious feel
- Loaded with antioxidants and flavor
- Ideal for bedtime or festive occasions
- Can be made vegan with plant-based milk
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based like almond or oat)
- A pinch of saffron threads
- 2-3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar or other sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Optional: Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish
Step 1: Gather the ingredients.
- Carefully arrange all the necessary ingredients on a clean countertop. You should see milk in a glass, a small pinch of vibrant red saffron threads in a tiny dish, a few green cardamom pods slightly cracked open, sugar in a spoon or small bowl, and optionally some finely chopped nuts in another small dish.
Step 2: Infuse the milk with saffron.
- Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the saffron threads to the milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the milk to turn a beautiful pale yellow and absorb the saffron’s aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Add cardamom and heat.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Add the lightly crushed cardamom pods to the milk.
Step 4: Simmer and sweeten.
- Heat the milk, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and just starts to simmer around the edges. Do not let it boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sugar or your preferred sweetener. Continue to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Step 5: Strain and serve.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour the saffron cardamom milk through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug or glass to remove the cardamom pods.
Step 6: Garnish (optional) and enjoy!
- If desired, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal. Serve the saffron cardamom milk warm and enjoy its soothing aroma and delightful flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ No saffron? Use ¼ tsp ground ginger for warmth.
✔ Creamier: Add 1 tsp cashew butter while blending.
✔ Iced version: Chill and serve over ice with a cinnamon stick.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Bedtime ritual: Drink warm water 30 minutes before sleep.
- With sweets: Pair with baklava or dates.
- Immunity boost: Add 1 tsp ashwagandha powder.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving, with dairy milk)
Calories: ~150 | Protein: 8g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 7g
🌱 Variations
- Vegan: Use coconut milk + coconut sugar.
- Spiced chai: Add 1 black tea bag while heating.
- Golden moon milk: Stir in ½ tsp reishi powder.
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