Why you’ll love this Recipe
What is Haldi Doodh?
Benefits of Turmeric Milk
Please note: We are not dietitians or doctors at Masala and Chai. For more information, please refer to the sourced material from the US National Institute of Health. Since then, my tastebuds have completely evolved. I can now genuinely appreciate a nourishing, cozy cup of Turmeric Milk. It feels like a warm hug from my mom when I have a cold or like showing up in her bedroom at 1am because I can’t fall asleep. There’s no denying that desi parents slather turmeric on anything that’s broken. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been told, “Haldi (turmeric) in any form heals the body from inside”. The use of turmeric in Indian culture is deeply rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine and traditions that are proven by modern medicine today. Turmeric is often referred to as the golden spice due to it’s stunning yellow hue that it lends to Indian cooking, such as in Arbi Sabzi and Khichdi. In the West, Haldi Doodh suddenly became trendy and came with a rebrand - Golden Milk. It’s often referred to as a Turmeric Tea or Golden Milk Latte. Many companies now sell a “Golden Milk Latte Blend” for exorbitant prices and market it as a superfood sleepy-time aid. Golden Milk is often made with plant-based milks, alternative sweeteners, added syrups or spices, and served with a frothy milk top. But I promise you don’t need all that! You can make it right at home for a fraction of the price, customized to how you like it with no additives, and makes you feel good.
Ingredients - Notes and Substitutions
Some proven health benefits are:
Aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions Reduced exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness Improved insulin sensitivity and gut health Improved brain function Reduced elevated blood pressure Reduced anxiety and aid in relaxed sleep
Talk to your doctor before increasing your intake of turmeric when pregnant or breastfeeding. Consuming too much turmeric may also have negative side effects, such as stomach distress and headaches (WebMD).
Milk - Whole milk is traditionally used, but dairy-free alternatives work just as well. I recommend coconut milk or oat milk as nut-free options, or cashew milk for a creamy option. Turmeric - Turmeric’s brilliant golden hue and nutritional benefits makes it the star of this beverage. Ground turmeric is usually easier to work with, but the 1 teaspoon of the fresh root can also be used. I usually just grab a package at the Indian grocery. Be careful, turmeric stains surfaces and nails! Green cardamom - Aromatic cardamom pairs really well with turmeric. A single pod that’s a little cracked open or preferably freshly ground cardamom works. Cinnamon - A 1-inch stick of cinnamon or ⅛ teaspoon of ground cinnamon makes turmeric tea so cozy. Clove - Clove as a whole spice tends to be really strong, so use it if you enjoy the flavor. Otherwise, no big deal. Black pepper - I don’t want to hear that black pepper is too spicy for you. A few turns of a pepper mill is sufficient to active the curcumin in turmeric and increase absorption of the nutritional benefits by 2000%! Sweetener - I grew up without added sweetener in my turmeric milk. Gud (jaggery) or white sugar are common additions. Stevia, honey, or maple syrup are great alternatives. Ginger - Optional, but adds amazing flavor and additional health benefits. Ghee or coconut oil - Optional, but a fat increases absorption of curcumin which is fat-soluble. Great to use if you’ve opted for low-fat milk.
How to make Haldi Doodh
Pour the milk into a stainless steel or nonstick sauce pan. Bring the milk up to a simmer on low to medium heat.
How to Increase Absorption to enjoy the Benefits of Turmeric
More Indian Drinks to try
Recipe
Pro Tip: Enzymes in ginger can cause milk to curdle. If adding ginger, boil the spices in ½ cup of water, then add the milk. Keep an eye on your saucepan, because the milk may start to bubble to the top. If this happens, simply remove the pan from heat until the bubbles come down. Then, return the pan to the burner and lower the heat a bit. Note: If too much water evaporates and you prefer turmeric milk less thick, add 2 tablespoons of water to thin it out. At this point, you can also add a bit of ghee to melt right in or vanilla extract into the drink. I’d love to know what you thought of this recipe! Don’t forget to leave a comment and ⭐️ star rating below! Thinking about making this recipe? Enter your email and I’ll send it straight to your inbox to save for later. Plus, get new recipe inspiration from me every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Masala and Chai.
