Warm and Refreshing

Maria gave me the idea to start posting recipes on the blog (maybe coz I talk a lot about food). Here's a drink that is very Indian and very easy to make. This drink is usually served during rituals when people are invited to be a part of the proceedings and is a very basic yet enjoyable drink. It's also served at stalls and some restaurants and dairies. I found a recipe for this drink on Sanjeev Kapoor's website (famous Indian celebrity chef whose cooking shows I used to enjoy during my school/college years).

Maria, I thought this could be a drink you could serve to your guests when they arrive home and relax a bit before starting to cook lunch. Or, if they arrive early, could be instantly made and served warm for them to drink as they cook or chat. Since it's winter, a warm drink would definitely be a good idea.

Badam Doodh (Saffron flavoured milk enriched with almonds and served warm)

Preparation Time : 20 mins

Ingredients
Almonds, blanched and roughly chopped 1/4 cup

(usually how they are served and are supposed to be gulped
down with milk but if it's easier to consume,
you can have them chopped or powdered finely)
Milk 4 cups
Green cardamom powder a pinch
Nutmeg powder a pinch
Honey 3-4 tablespoons
(You can use sugar as well but it's healthier to go with honey
and you can add as much as you like to make it sweet...
without the guilt)

Saffron a few strands (to sprinkle on top before serving)

Method
1. Heat milk in a thick-bottomed vessel and bring to a boil (you can use low-fat milk but the skin of cream that forms on boiling must be stirred well so it blends completely with the milk).

2. Reduce heat, add chopped almonds and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

3. Add green cardamom powder and nutmeg powder and continue to boil for another 2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, add honey and stir.

5. Serve warm in individual glasses topping them off with a strand or two of saffron (Sanjeev Kapoor recommends earthenware glasses but any sort of cup or glass is fine).