Almond Milk (Badam Doodh) Recipe

Beverage made of presoaked ground almonds, milk, sugar and saffron

This used  to be a popular beverage for school age kids. This milk was touted for its ability to help with your memory. We used to soak almonds overnight. In the morning the the almonds were peeled and ground with mortar and pestle with a little bit of milk. More milk was added and the concoction cooked over heat.

Ingredients

1. Whole shelled Almonds: ½ Cup

2. Milk: 3 cups

3. Sugar: 2 Tablespoons

4. Saffron: 4 strands

Method

1. Soak almonds in plenty of water over night. In the morning, peel off the skin.

2. In an electric blender or Food Processor, put the almonds and about one cup of milk. Grind it to a smooth fine paste.

3. In a heavy pan, put the almond paste, remaining milk, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Turn town heat to slow simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes. The milk will thicken because of almonds and the reduction in milk through evaporation. The reduced milk gives it a creamy texture.

4. Stir in saffron. Cook another five minutes.