Authentic Badam Milk Recipe – Saffron & Turmeric Infused

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Badam Milk Recipe – Saffron & Turmeric Infused

Hey everyone! If you grew up in an Indian household, or have been lucky enough to visit, you probably already know the comforting magic of a warm glass of milk spiced just right. Today, I’m sharing my family’s treasured recipe for Badam Milk – a creamy, fragrant drink infused with the goodness of almonds, saffron, and turmeric. It’s pure comfort in a glass, and honestly, it’s been my go-to remedy for everything from a bad day to a scratchy throat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Badam Milk isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make. It comes together in under 10 minutes, and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s packed with flavour and the health benefits of almonds, saffron, and turmeric. It’s the perfect treat for kids and adults alike, and a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the wonderful world of Indian flavours.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this golden elixir:

• 1 cup badam (almonds)
• 6 cashews
• 3 tsp pistachios
• 3 cardamom pods
• 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp milk powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• A pinch of kesar (saffron) – about 10-15 strands
• 2 cups milk (any kind works!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right quality makes all the difference.

Badam (Almonds): Types & Quality

I prefer using Californian almonds for their consistent quality and flavour. But you can absolutely use Kashmiri almonds – they’re smaller and have a slightly sweeter taste. About 140-150g of almonds equals one cup.

Cashews: Choosing the Right Variety

Any good quality cashew will work here. I usually go for the whole cashews, not the broken pieces, as they seem to have a richer flavour.

Pistachios: Regional Variations & Flavor

I love the vibrant green colour and slightly sweet flavour pistachios add. You can use shelled, unsalted pistachios.

Cardamom Pods: Green vs. Black Cardamom

For Badam Milk, always use green cardamom pods. They have a sweet, floral aroma that complements the other flavours beautifully. Black cardamom has a smoky flavour that isn’t quite right for this recipe.

Sugar: Alternatives & Adjustments

I use regular granulated sugar, but you can easily substitute it with jaggery (gur) for a more traditional flavour, or honey/maple syrup for a healthier option. Adjust the amount to your liking!

Milk Powder: Full Fat vs. Low Fat

Full-fat milk powder gives the richest, creamiest texture. However, you can use low-fat milk powder if you prefer.

Turmeric: The Golden Spice – Benefits & Varieties

Good quality turmeric powder is key for that beautiful golden colour and amazing health benefits. Look for a vibrant orange-yellow colour.

Kesar (Saffron): Sourcing & Authenticity

Saffron is the star of the show! A little goes a long way. Make sure you’re buying authentic saffron – it’s worth the investment. Soak the strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for about 10 minutes to release their flavour and colour before adding to the recipe.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, dry roast the almonds, cashews, pistachios, and cardamom pods in a pan on low heat. Keep stirring until they’re lightly crunchy and fragrant – about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!
2. Let the roasted nuts cool completely. Then, grind them into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or a blender.
3. Now, add the sugar, milk powder, turmeric powder, and soaked saffron (with the milk it was soaking in!) to the nut mixture. Grind everything together again until you have a fine, smooth powder. This is your badam mix – and it’s the heart of the recipe!
4. To make the milk, pour 2 cups of milk into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
5. Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of the badam mix to the milk and stir well to combine.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the milk is slightly thickened and beautifully golden.
7. Serve warm or chilled. I personally love it warm on a cozy evening!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the roasting step! It really enhances the flavour of the nuts.
• Grinding the badam mix to a fine powder ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust the amount of badam mix to control the thickness of the milk.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

Vegan Badam Milk

Simply substitute the dairy milk with your favourite plant-based milk – almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk all work beautifully.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Naturally Gluten-Free)

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment – More Cardamom

If you really love cardamom, feel free to add an extra pod or two.

Festival Adaptations – Holi & Diwali

During Holi, I like to add a tiny pinch of rose flavouring for a festive touch. For Diwali, a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top makes it extra special.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

My grandmother always said, “Sweetness is personal!” Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and add more to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Badam Milk is wonderful on its own, but you can also:

• Garnish with a few chopped pistachios or almonds.
• Serve it with a side of traditional Indian biscuits.
• Enjoy it as a bedtime drink for a restful night’s sleep.

Storage Instructions

You can store the badam mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months. Once made, the badam milk is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

FAQs

What is the best type of almond to use for Badam Milk?

Californian or Kashmiri almonds both work well!

Can I use almond extract instead of badam?

While you can use almond extract in a pinch, it won’t give you the same rich, authentic flavour as using real almonds.

How can I make Badam Milk more frothy?

Use a milk frother or whisk vigorously before serving.

What are the health benefits of adding turmeric and saffron to milk?

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and saffron is rich in antioxidants. Both are incredibly beneficial for your health!

How long does Badam Milk stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Up to 24 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.