Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Nungu Milk Recipe – Authentic Indian Palm Fruit & Cardamom Drink

Introduction

Oh, Nungu Milk! Just the thought of it takes me right back to hot summer afternoons spent at my grandmother’s house. She always had a stash of these beautiful palm fruits, and this drink was the way to beat the heat. It’s incredibly refreshing, subtly sweet, and has this amazing creamy texture. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat! This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little piece of Indian summer nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Nungu Milk recipe is seriously easy to make – we’re talking 15 minutes, tops! It requires minimal ingredients, and the result is a wonderfully cooling and flavorful drink. It’s perfect for a quick afternoon refresher, a light dessert, or even a special treat for guests. Plus, it’s naturally vegan-friendly (with a tiny tweak, which I’ll share later!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Nungu Milk:

• 3 medium sized Nungu (Palm Fruit)
• 1 cup milk (about 240ml)
• 0.5 cup frozen milk (about 120ml) – this is the secret ingredient!
• 2 teaspoon sugar (about 10g) – adjust to your sweetness preference
• 0.5 teaspoon honey (about 7g)
• 0.25 teaspoon cardamom powder (about 1g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec, because a few of them are a little special!

Nungu (Palm Fruit) – A Seasonal Delight

Nungu, also known as ice apple or tadgola, is a seasonal fruit available mainly in the summer months. It has a jelly-like texture and a naturally sweet, cooling flavor. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt to find, but totally worth it!

Frozen Milk – The Secret to Creaminess

Don’t skip the frozen milk! It adds an incredible creaminess to the drink without needing any ice. I usually freeze milk in ice cube trays for convenience. You can use any kind of milk for this – cow’s milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk.

Cardamom – The Aromatic Spice

Cardamom is a staple in Indian desserts and drinks, and it adds a beautiful aromatic flavor to this Nungu Milk. Freshly ground cardamom is best, but powdered works just fine too.

Ingredients Breakdown & Regional Variations

While this recipe is pretty classic, you’ll find slight variations depending on the region. Some people add a splash of rose water for extra fragrance. Others prefer to use jaggery instead of sugar for a more rustic sweetness. My aunt always adds a tiny pinch of saffron – it gives it a gorgeous golden hue!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, peel and roughly chop the nungu. It’s a little messy, but fun!
2. Add the chopped nungu to your blender.
3. Now, pour in the fresh milk, frozen milk, sugar, honey, and cardamom powder.
4. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and frothy. This usually takes about a minute or two.
5. Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately. Seriously, don’t wait – it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Expert Tips

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

If your Nungu Milk is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more pieces of frozen milk.

Selecting Ripe Nungu

Look for nungu that feels slightly soft when you press it gently. Avoid ones that are too hard or have any blemishes. The color should be a translucent white or pale green.

Variations

Vegan Nungu Milk

To make this vegan, simply substitute the dairy milk with your favorite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or coconut milk all work beautifully.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and honey to your liking. I like mine on the sweeter side, but you can definitely reduce it if you prefer.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Ginger

My friend Priya loves adding a tiny piece of ginger to her Nungu Milk for a little zing. It’s a delicious addition if you enjoy a bit of spice!

Summer Cooling Adaptations

For an extra cooling effect, you can chill the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Nungu Milk is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with light snacks like biscuits or fruit. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a spicy Indian meal, too – the sweetness helps to balance the heat.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, Nungu Milk is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Be aware that it may separate slightly, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

What is Nungu and where can I find it?

Nungu is a seasonal fruit, also known as ice apple or tadgola. It’s typically available in India during the summer months (March-June). You can find it at local fruit markets or sometimes in Indian grocery stores.

Can I use powdered milk instead of frozen milk?

While you can use powdered milk, it won’t give you the same creamy texture as frozen milk. If you’re using powdered milk, I recommend adding a few ice cubes to the blender to help thicken the drink.

How do I know if the Nungu is ripe?

Ripe nungu will feel slightly soft when pressed gently. It should also be translucent white or pale green in color.

Can this drink be made ahead of time?

It’s best to make Nungu Milk right before serving, as it can separate and lose its freshness over time.

What are the health benefits of Nungu?

Nungu is known for its cooling properties and is believed to be beneficial for digestion and hydration. It’s also a good source of electrolytes.