Saffron Infused Masala Milk: Traditional Indian Spice Drink

Saffron Milk Masala Recipe: A Traditional Indian Delight

Saffron Milk Masala, also known as Masala Dudh, is a cherished Indian drink often prepared on auspicious occasions like Kojagiri Purnima or Ashwini Purnima. These nights are filled with joyous gatherings of family and friends, where games are played, snacks such as bhel or vada pav are enjoyed, and the warm, aromatic Masala Dudh is savored as a delightful dessert. This comforting drink is made by boiling milk and infusing it with a special blend of dry fruits and spices, creating a rich and fragrant beverage that warms the soul. Not only does it add a festive touch, but it also has the versatility to be served on Haldi Kumkum days, during poojas, or even while fasting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to be prepared ahead of time. The dry fruit and spice masala can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When the time comes to serve it, all you need to do is mix the masala with warm milk, and it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

Instructions

1. Grind the Dry Fruits
   Start by grinding the whole almonds (badam), pistachios, and chironji separately into a coarsely ground powder. This will create a base for your masala, packed with the rich flavors of the dry fruits.

2. Grind the Spices
   Next, grind the cardamom pods along with the sugar. The sugar helps release the natural oils in the cardamom, bringing out its aromatic essence. You can grind this into a fine powder for a smooth blend.

3. Prepare the Masala
   In a mixing bowl, combine the dry fruit powders and the freshly ground cardamom-sugar mixture. Add a pinch of nutmeg powder and a few strands of saffron to the blend. The saffron will lend a beautiful color and a rich fragrance to the masala. Mix everything thoroughly.

4. Serve with Milk
   Your Saffron Milk Masala is now ready. To serve, add a teaspoon or more of this masala to warm milk, depending on your preferred strength of flavor. Stir well to ensure that the masala is fully dissolved in the milk.

   You can choose to sweeten the milk further by adding sugar according to your taste. However, this masala can also be enjoyed without any additional sweetness, as the dry fruits and spices already provide a natural, rich flavor.

5. Optional Serving Suggestions
   For a complete snack experience, serve the Saffron Milk Masala with crispy treats like baked banana chips or crunchy cheese crackers. The contrast of the warm, spiced milk with the salty snacks creates a delightful balance.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover masala, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. When ready to use, just mix it with warm milk, and you have a quick, aromatic drink ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Enjoy this aromatic and soothing Saffron Milk Masala with your loved ones on festive occasions or as a special treat during your fasts or poojas. It’s not only a delicious drink but also a beautiful way to celebrate Indian traditions and flavors.