a drink and a dessert

Indian cuisine boasts a variety of milk-based warm beverages. There’s the widely popular doodh patti chai (tea brewed in milk), and then, of course, there’s Nescafe (a milky coffee synonymous with the brand name for instant coffee). There is haldi doodh (which has gained worldwide popularity in recent years as turmeric latte), an ancient Indian remedy, and finally, there’s Masala Doodh (Warm Spiced Milk). It is not only a favorite drink for many but also a beloved Indian dessert, especially enjoyed during Kojagiri Pornima festivities, a tradition I grew up with.

Nostalgic Memories

Kojagiri Pournima brings back sweet memories from my childhood days. While I wasn’t deeply immersed in the religious significance of this day, I always looked forward to the little gift I received each year. As the eldest of three siblings, I was honored on this day for being the eldest child in the family. Even today, I cherish the tradition, receiving a thoughtful phone call from my mom. Now, I carry on the tradition by giving a small gift to my little girl.

This day also evokes memories of the good old times with my friends from Prabhat Road, Lane no. 9! Our neighborhood in Pune would gather on our bungalow’s terrace to celebrate the full moon night, playing games and singing ‘antakshari’ songs under the moonlight. Sometimes, we kids would put on a dance number or a skit to entertain everyone. Following the entertainment, we’d enjoy a potluck dinner, culminating with the special dessert drink… the Masala Doodh.

The Doodh Masala

The Masala Doodh is made by boiling milk with sugar and a special masala , composed of nuts and spices. This unique blend of spices, often referred to as ‘Doodh Masala,’ made by incorporating fragrant spices like cardamom, nutmeg, saffron, and a medley of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios. When mixed in with warm milk, it infuses the milk with its rich flavors and aromatic undertones. It not only adds depth and warmth to the beverage but also holds a cherished place in Indian culinary traditions.

When I was studying at Rutgers, my dear friend Rupa, who was also my roommate at the time, showed me how to craft this masala at home. Unable to find the pre-packaged version in Indian stores, we embarked on a culinary journey to create our own signature blend. Since then, I’ve always made a small batch of the classic spice mix whenever I crave Masala Doodh. Over time, I’ve experimented with various milk alternatives like almond, soy, or coconut milk. Additionally, I tend to use less sugar as I prefer my drinks to be less sweet, but you can control the amount of sugar or use a sweetener of choice to suit your dietary needs.

Why you’ll love my recipe

My spice blend recipe is simple and made with whole spices and nuts, so you know exactly what goes into your Doodh Masala—and ultimately, your Masala Doodh. You can make a larger batch to have on hand, adjust the sweetness, or use any milk of your choice to suit your dietary preferences. This versatile recipe not only makes a warm, comforting drink but can also be used to infuse desserts like tres leches cake or overnight oats and chia seed pudding.

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or looking for a soothing drink to wind down with, this homemade Masala Doodh is sure to become a favorite.

Masala Doodh (Warm Spiced Milk)

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• Author: Vasanti
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a flexible recipe that can be tailored to accommodate various dietary needs, allowing you to indulge in the simplicity and warmth of the beloved Indian beverage.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1/2x1x2x3x

For the Doodh Masala (Milk Spice Blend) (see FAQs & Notes)

• 2 tbsp blanched slivered almonds, (see FAQs & Notes)
• 2 tbsp raw cashew pieces (see FAQs & Notes)
• 2 tbsp raw pistachios, halves and pieces
• 8–10 green cardamom seeds, coarsely crushed (see FAQs & Notes)
• quartered piece of nutmeg, grated (see FAQs & Notes)
• 1/2 tsp saffron strands

For Masala Doodh (Warm Spiced Milk)

• 2 cups milk of choice
• sweetener of choice, to taste
• 3–4 saffron strands, for garnishing

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Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients for the Doodh Masala in a coffee or spice grinder and grind to a coarse-fine powder.
• In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil.
• Add the sweetener and along with all of the prepared Doodh Masala.
• Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, ensuring the milk doesn’t boil over the pan.
• Take the pan off the heat and let it sit for about 5 mins, so that the masala get a chance to infuse the milk and lend it a golden yellow color from the saffron.
• Pour in individual glasses/cups (straining is optional and strongly discouraged).
• Garnish with saffron strands and serve warm.