Sprouted Wheat Horlicks Powder Recipe – Almond & Cocoa Infused

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sprouted Wheat Horlicks Powder Recipe – Almond & Cocoa Infused

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s for Sprouted Wheat Horlicks Powder, and honestly, it’s a game changer. Growing up, my dadi (grandmother) always made something similar, and the warm, comforting feeling of a glass of homemade Horlicks on a chilly evening is something I’ve always cherished. This version is packed with goodness, a little chocolatey, and perfect for the whole family. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any Horlicks powder. We’re using the incredible power of sprouted wheat, boosting the nutritional value and making it easier to digest. Plus, the addition of almonds, peanuts, and a hint of cocoa makes it absolutely delicious. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients, especially for picky eaters! And the best part? You control exactly what goes into it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a box of this amazing Sprouted Wheat Horlicks Powder:

• 1 cup wheat (approximately 150g)
• 3 tbsp badam / almonds (approximately 30g)
• 2 tbsp peanut (approximately 20g)
• ?? cup mishri / rock candy (adjust to taste, start with ½ cup – approximately 80g)
• 4 cardamom pods
• ?? cup milk powder (adjust to consistency, start with ½ cup – approximately 50g)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (approximately 8g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Wheat – The Power of Sprouting

Sprouting wheat increases its nutritional value, making it easier for our bodies to absorb all those good vitamins and minerals. It also makes it more digestible.

Badam / Almonds – Regional Variations & Benefits

I prefer using Kashmiri almonds for their slightly sweeter flavour, but any good quality almond will work beautifully. Almonds are a fantastic source of healthy fats and Vitamin E.

Peanuts – Choosing the Right Kind

Raw, unsalted peanuts are best. You want that natural peanut flavour without any added salt.

Mishri / Rock Candy – A Traditional Sweetener

Mishri adds a lovely, subtle sweetness and is considered a cooling ingredient in Ayurveda. If you can’t find mishri, you can substitute with sugar or jaggery, but the flavour will be slightly different.

Cardamom Pods – Freshness & Aroma

Always use fresh cardamom pods! You’ll know they’re fresh if they’re plump and fragrant. A little goes a long way.

Milk Powder – Full Fat vs. Skimmed

I usually use full-fat milk powder for a richer flavour, but you can definitely use skimmed if you prefer. It’s all about personal preference.

Cocoa Powder – For a Chocolatey Twist

Unsweetened cocoa powder is the way to go. It adds that lovely chocolate flavour without making it overly sweet.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks.

1. First, soak 1 cup of wheat in water for about 12 hours. Give it a couple of rinses before you soak it, just to get rid of any dust.
2. Drain the water and tie the soaked wheat in a clean muslin cloth. Now, let it rest for 2 days. You’ll start to see little sprouts forming – that’s what we want!
3. Once sprouted, spread the wheat on a tray and roast it on low heat until it’s nice and crisp and all the moisture is gone. This might take about 20-30 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent burning.
4. Add the almonds and peanuts to the roasted wheat. Continue roasting until the nuts turn a lovely golden brown and are crisp.
5. Let the mixture cool completely. Then, transfer it to a blender along with the mishri and cardamom pods. Grind everything into a fine powder.
6. Sieve the powder to get rid of any larger bits. Then, mix it thoroughly with the milk powder.
7. For that chocolatey goodness, mix in 1 tbsp of cocoa powder with 4 tbsp of the prepared Horlicks powder.
8. Finally, store it in an airtight container. To serve, simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of the powder with a glass of warm milk.

Expert Tips

• Roasting is Key: Don’t rush the roasting process! It’s crucial to get rid of all the moisture to prevent the powder from becoming clumpy.
• Cool Completely: Always let the roasted mixture cool completely before blending. This helps prevent the mishri from melting and sticking to the blender.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of mishri to your liking.

Variations

• Nutty Delight: My friend, Priya, loves adding cashews and pistachios to the mix for an even richer flavour.
• Winter Warmer: During the winter months, my family loves adding a handful of chopped dates and figs for extra warmth and sweetness.
• Rose Flavoured: A pinch of rose petals while grinding adds a beautiful aroma and flavour.

Vegan Adaptation

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the milk powder with a plant-based milk powder (like almond or soy milk powder) and use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of mishri.

Gluten-Free Considerations

Wheat is not gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free version, you’ll need to substitute the wheat with a gluten-free grain like ragi (finger millet) or jowar (sorghum).

Spice Level Adjustment

If you like a little extra warmth, you can add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or ginger powder along with the cardamom.

Festival Adaptations (e.g., adding dry fruits for winter festivals)

As mentioned before, adding dates and figs during winter festivals like Makar Sankranti or Lohri is a lovely tradition. It adds warmth and festive cheer!

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy a warm glass before bed for a comforting night’s sleep.
• Mix with warm milk and a drizzle of honey for a delicious breakfast.
• Add a spoonful to your smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition.

Storage Instructions

Store the Sprouted Wheat Horlicks Powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should stay fresh for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What are the benefits of sprouted wheat?

Sprouted wheat is easier to digest and has increased nutritional value compared to regular wheat. It’s a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds and peanuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or pistachios.

What is Mishri and can I substitute it?

Mishri is a type of rock candy traditionally used in Indian cuisine. You can substitute it with sugar or jaggery, but the flavour will be slightly different.

How long does the sprouted wheat take to fully sprout?

It usually takes about 2 days for the wheat to fully sprout. Make sure to keep it moist during this time.

Can I make a larger batch of this Horlicks powder and store it for longer?

Yes, you can definitely make a larger batch. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Is this suitable for babies and young children?

Yes, it is! However, it’s best to introduce it to babies gradually and in small amounts. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby.

I hope you enjoy making and drinking this Sprouted Wheat Horlicks Powder as much as my family and I do! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!