Haldi Doodh is the deliciously warming and perfectly spiced Turmeric Milk that’s literally brimming with health benefits. Turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove add distinctly cozy flavors, while also loading the milk with natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. The benefits of this healing drink are incredible for such a simple, flexible, and fast recipe.
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What is Haldi Doodh?
Haldi Doodh literally translates to Turmeric Milk. Haldi Doodh has been used for ages in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and still in modern Indian households to treat any number of ailments. At the first hint that my siblings or I were coming down with a cough or cold, my mom would make us Haldi Doodh. The aroma hits first.. earthy and comforting, the taste is full of warm spice with bitter and sweet notes, and the feeling of the hot milk is particularly soothing on the throat.
Haldi Doodh is the original Golden Milk and Turmeric Latte, trendy drink you can find now in many coffee shops and even prepackaged at the grocery store. It’s so simple to make and you can use what you have on hand – the only truly necessary ingredients are turmeric and milk.
Ingredients
- Turmeric (Haldi) is a bright, healing spice that adds a peppery-woody taste and a deep golden color to curries. Curcumin, its main ingredient, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Turmeric is used to treat inflammation, skin issues, and respiratory ailments, among others. Make sure to use organic turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root for this recipe.
- Cardamom (Velchi) is a sweet, warm, citrusy, and invigorating spice used in both sweet and savory dishes. With strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is often used to aid in digestion, soothe sore throats, boost liver health, and treat infections.
- Cinnamon (Daalchini) brings warmth, and sweet heat to both desserts and savory dishes. It is rich in antioxidants and strong anti-inflammatory compounds with natural anti-bacterial properties.
- Clove (Lavang) is an Intense spice with a distinct aroma, flavor, and warmth. Clove is also a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory used to lower inflammation, promote good digestion, lower blood sugar, and support oral health.
- Black Pepper(Kali Miri) significantly increases the bioavailability of turmeric’s healing properties when paired together.
- Jaggery / Sugar / Honey / Agave is optional but a touch of sweetness helps temper the stronger spices and rounds out the flavor.
How to make Haldi Doodh
- Using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin, crush cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns
- Pour milk into the saucepan
- Add the crushed spices
- Add turmeric and ground ginger powder and jaggery or sweetener of choice
- Cook on low to medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for an additional two to three minutes
- Strain into cups and enjoy hot
How to Enjoy
I love putting on a pot of Haldi Doodh, as soon as I start to smell the simmering milk I feel such a sense of well-being. You do not have to be fighting a cold or flu to gain the benefits of Turmeric Milk! Its' anti-inflammatory properties are used to prevent and treat any number of ailments and help prevent chronic illnesses.
Benefits of Turmeric (Golden) Milk
Haldi Doodh has been used for ages in Indian households as a healing drink for cough, sore throat, and the common cold. In addition, golden Milk may improve joint pain and arthritis, help digestion, increase brain function, lower blood sugar, and act as a natural mood booster. It’s also an excellent substitute for coffee if you are trying to cut down on caffeine. A warm immunity-boosting turmeric latte is so satisfying in the afternoon or at bedtime to unwind from the day.
Tips and Substitutes
- Fresh organic turmeric root can be used in place of turmeric powder. Grate 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of milk
- Use milk of choice - I love regular dairy milk, almond milk, and oat milk. You can also use unsweetened coconut milk, soy milk, or cashew milk as other vegan options
- Other than turmeric and milk, the remaining ingredients are optional so use what you have. You can also add a small cinnamon stick if you like.
- Make sure not to add too much turmeric, a little goes a long way!
- Fresh ginger or my handy frozen ginger paste can be used in place of dry ginger powder
- Like it frothy? Use a small hand-held frother. Make sure to fill only half a cup with hot turmeric milk to allow lots of space for the foam.
More Indian Hot Drink Recipes
Recipe
Haldi Doodh
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk I like to use 2%
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger powder sonth powder
- 1 cardamom
- 4 cloves
- 6 black peppercorns
Optional Sweetner
- 2 teaspoons jaggery sugar or honey
Instructions
- Add milk to a saucepan. Add turmeric and ground ginger powder.
- Using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin crush cardamon, cloves, and peppercorns and add to the milk. Add jaggery or sweetner of choice
- Cook on medium-low heat and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for an additional two to three minutes.
- Strain into cups and enjoy hot.
Video
Notes
- Fresh organic turmeric root can be used in place of turmeric powder. Grate 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of milk
- Use milk of choice - I love regular milk. You can use almond milk, oat milk, or unsweetened coconut milk as a vegan option
- Other than turmeric and milk, the remaining ingredients are optional so use what you have. Just make sure not to add too much turmeric, a little goes a long way!
- Freshly grated ginger can be used in place of dry ginger powder
- Like it frothy? Use a small hand-held frother. Make sure to fill only half a cup with hot turmeric milk to allow lots of space for the foam.
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