Enjoy this soul-warming and nourishing saffron milk recipe, also known as Indian kesar milk! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a cozy treat that’s perfect for any chilly night.
I love this warm milk; it’s warming and healthy, filled with the goodness of saffron. This instantly lifts my mood, exactly like a hot cup of Karak chai or Kashmiri chai .
My kids like smooth milk, so I powder my nuts instead of crushing and also strain them. This has made the milk more acceptable to them.
Health Benefits
- This spice is a powerful antioxidant.
- Since this milk is naturally warming, it can also help soothe a cold and sore throat.
- Saffron is a memory booster as well. When you combine saffron with calcium-rich milk and nutrient-dense nuts, it makes a delicious and healthy drink for kids.
- It can lift your mood and calm your mind. Drinking saffron milk at night before bedtime can help you sleep well.
- During pregnancy, mood swings and fatigue can really depress pregnant women. This milk can help elevate your mood. (Avoid saffron and other warm foods in the first trimester.)
- Nevertheless, this milk is a treat. Full of nutrients , warm, aromatic, and crushed nuts add delight.
- During Ramadan , if you want to skip an elaborate iftar, consider having this milk with dates. And once you finish your prayer, you can have dinner. This milk will keep you full and energized.
- Find more benefits of saffron here.
What goes into the recipe?
This quick and easy saffron milk, made with simple ingredients, is rich, vegan, and gluten-free!
- Butter: I used butter to roast nuts.
- Nuts: Almonds and pistachios are my go-to nut mix, but cashews are another great option for adding some extra richness
- Cardamom: This is optional; I like to have it for aroma. You can use powder or crushed cardamom pods, too.
- Milk: Use the milk that you like most. I prefer raw dairy milk for this recipe. But you can use any of your favorite milks. For a vegan and gluten-free option, many people enjoy using almond milk; feel free to experiment with different plant-based alternatives.
- Sugar: For a touch of sweetness, add sugar, honey, or any other sweetener of your choice.
- Saffron: Use good-quality saffron for the best aroma and flavor. Fresh strands are ideal.
How to make it?
Make this easy milk with these simple steps.
- In a heavy-based pan, add butter, pistachio, almond, and cardamom on low heat.
- Fry the ingredients in the pan until the nuts are lightly toasted (do not burn them; lightly sauté them in butter).
- Pour in the milk, add sugar, and sprinkle in the saffron strands.
- Heat the mixture and simmer until fragrant (or until the desired color/flavor is achieved) . Fill it in your favourite mug and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Saffron Quality & Aroma : The color and aroma of milk will depend on the quality of the saffron. The amount of saffron might need to be tweaked as per the quality. I recommend focusing on the aroma, not the color. If you can smell the saffron aroma in the milk, it is enough, as too much saffron can be irritating
- Infuse the Flavor: If you can’t smell the aroma, add a few more strands and simmer for a few more minutes to let the aroma fuse.
- Make it Early : Making this milk ahead is a great idea, as the flavors mellow and fuse well when you allow some time to rest .
- Soaking : If you can plan earlier, soaking saffron in a small bowl also helps bring out loads of flavor.
- Quick Daily Hack : Lastly, if you wish to add this milk to your daily routine, here’s a trick : blend nuts, saffron, and sugar. Store the mixture in a cool, dry place in an airtight jar . Just add it to hot milk and simmer until ready. Make sure to use the prepared mixture within 10-15 days .
Variations
Milk Options: You may switch dairy milk with plant-based milk like soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk to make vegan saffron milk.
Saffron, ginger, and turmeric milk : You can definitely make this recipe healthier and make it golden milk by adding ginger and turmeric. This will change the taste a little, but it will give you a boost of immunity and help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Simply add ginger and turmeric while warming your milk. You can strain the milk before adding nuts or enjoy it as is.
Saffron might be of low quality; use more saffron threads. If you are still not getting enough color, add a pinch of turmeric for yellow color.
Saffron should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to maintain its flavor and scent.
Feel free to double, triple, or even quintuple the recipe for a larger batch and enjoy it every day! Just remember, for optimal freshness and quality, it’s best to consume the saffron milk within 3-4 days.
Looking for more warm and healthy drinks? Check these!
- Chocolate Tea (Chocolate Chai)
- Ginger Lemonade
- Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea
- Ginger Green Tea
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 teaspoon butter
- ▢ 1 tablespoon almond , crushed
- ▢ 1 tablespoon pistachio , crushed
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder , optional
- ▢ 2¼ cups milk
- ▢ 2 tablespoon sugar , or to taste
- ▢ 8-10 strands saffron , good quality
Instructions
- Heat butter in heavy bottom skillet on low heat and roast nuts for few seconds.
- Add milk, sugar, saffron, sugar and let milk and bring milk to boil. Then simmer for 5 minutes medium heat.
- Then simmer for 2–3 minutes on medium heat. Your saffron milk is ready.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Saffron Milk
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 tablespoon almond crushed
- 1 tablespoon pistachio crushed
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder optional
- 2¼ cups milk
- 2 tablespoon sugar or to taste
- 8-10 strands saffron good quality
Instructions
- Heat butter in heavy bottom skillet on low heat and roast nuts for few seconds.
- Add milk, sugar, saffron, sugar and let milk and bring milk to boil. Then simmer for 5 minutes medium heat.
- Then simmer for 2–3 minutes on medium heat. Your saffron milk is ready.
