Authentic Dry Fruit Milk Recipe – Almonds, Pistachios & Cardamom

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Dry Fruit Milk Recipe – Almonds, Pistachios & Cardamom

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a comforting, nourishing drink that feels like a warm hug. This Dry Fruit Milk is exactly that. I first discovered this recipe from my Nani (grandmother), and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavour, and honestly, just feels good from the inside out. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little bit of self-care in a glass. It’s perfect when you need a boost of energy, a calming bedtime treat, or just a delicious way to enjoy the goodness of nuts and dates. Plus, it’s ready in under 10 minutes! It’s a fantastic alternative to regular milk, especially if you’re looking for something a little more special and flavourful.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a glass of this goodness:

• 4 Almonds
• 4 Cashew nuts
• 10 Pistachios
• 4 Dates
• 1 cup Milk (about 240ml)
• 1 Cardamom pod
• 1 pinch Nutmeg

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using good quality ingredients really makes a difference here.

• Almonds: These aren’t just tasty; they’re amazing for your skin and brain health! In Ayurveda, almonds are known to nourish the nervous system.
• Cashews: They add a lovely creaminess to the drink. They’re also a good source of healthy fats.
• Pistachios: These beautiful green nuts are packed with antioxidants and add a delicate flavour. They’re considered cooling in Ayurveda, making this drink perfect for warmer months.
• Dates: I prefer using soft, Medjool dates for their natural sweetness and caramel-like flavour. Make sure they’re plump and juicy!
• Milk: Full-fat milk gives the richest flavour, but you can use any milk you prefer.
• Cardamom & Nutmeg: These spices are the heart and soul of this drink. Freshly crushed cardamom is always best!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic!

1. First, let’s get those nuts and dates ready. Pop the almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, and dates into a bowl and cover them with lukewarm water. Let them soak for about an hour. This softens them up, making them easier to blend and digest.
2. Once they’ve had a good soak, drain the water and give everything a quick rinse. You’ll notice the almond skins come off easily now – peel them and discard.
3. Now for the fun part! Add the soaked and peeled dry fruits to your blender. Pour in about ½ cup (120ml) of chilled milk and blend until you get a coarse or smooth paste – totally up to you! I sometimes like a little texture, but my husband prefers it super smooth.
4. Pour in the remaining milk, add the cardamom pod (you can remove it later if you like), and a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Blend again until everything is beautifully combined and smooth.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately! If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Dry Fruit Milk to the next level? Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Consistency is key: Adjust the amount of milk to get your desired consistency. More milk = thinner drink, less milk = thicker drink.
• Soaking time: Don’t skip the soaking! It really does make a difference in the texture and digestibility. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes is okay, but an hour is ideal.
• Spice it up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! A tiny pinch of saffron can add a beautiful colour and flavour.

Variations

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

• Vegan Option: Simply swap the dairy milk for your favourite plant-based milk – almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk all work beautifully.
• Spice Level: For a more aromatic drink, add a tiny pinch of saffron strands along with the cardamom and nutmeg. My friend, Priya, swears by this!
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, I love to serve this with a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a truly festive touch. It’s also wonderful for special occasions and celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

This Dry Fruit Milk is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve chilled, especially on a warm day.
• Pair it with a light snack like biscuits or fruit.
• Enjoy it as a bedtime drink to promote restful sleep.

Storage Instructions

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture might change slightly, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this drink suitable for diabetics? While dates are a natural sweetener, they do contain sugar. It’s best to consume this in moderation and consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
• Can I use different types of nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts.
• What is the best type of milk to use? Full-fat milk gives the richest flavour, but any milk you enjoy will work.
• Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but you can soak the nuts and dates ahead of time to save time.
• How can I adjust the sweetness? If you prefer a less sweet drink, use fewer dates or add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavours.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!