A delicious milk-based drink made with added almonds, saffron and cardamom flavors, Badam Kesar is a soothing sip.
We love drinking warm Badam Kesar Milk in the colder nights. This milk sure makes us feel warm and cozy on those nights.
Looking for more soothing drinks? Try these: 
Badam Kesar Milk
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A warm, soothing Indian milk drink fragrant with blanched almonds, saffron, and cardamom — perfect for cold nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (35 g) blanched almonds (or raw almonds soaked overnight and peeled)
- 1 pinch saffron strands
- 2 green cardamom pods (or 1/4 tsp ground cardamom)
- 1 tbsp sugar, or to taste
Instructions
- Soak the blanched almonds in 2-3 tbsp warm water for 15 minutes, then drain. If using raw almonds, soak overnight in cold water and peel the skins before using.
- Dissolve the saffron strands in 1 tbsp warm milk and set aside to bloom for 5 minutes.
- Crush the cardamom pods and extract the seeds; discard the husks. Grind the seeds to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Add the soaked almonds to a blender with 2-3 tbsp of the measured milk and blend to a smooth paste.
- Heat the remaining milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer, 4-5 minutes. Do not boil.
- Stir in the almond paste, bloomed saffron, cardamom powder, and sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the milk thickens slightly and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and adjust sugar. Pour into cups and serve warm.
Notes
- For the smoothest texture, blend the almond paste as fine as possible — a high-speed blender works best. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a completely silky result.
- Saffron quantity can be adjusted to taste; a generous pinch gives a deep golden color and pronounced aroma.
- If using ground cardamom in place of whole pods, start with 1/8 tsp and add more to taste, as it is more concentrated than freshly ground seeds.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of almonds should I use for Badam Kesar: Soothing Almond-Saffron Milk?
Use blanched almonds for a smoother texture, or soak regular almonds in water overnight and peel them for a creamier consistency.
How much saffron should I add to Badam Kesar for the best flavor?
Typically, a pinch of saffron strands is sufficient to infuse the milk with flavor and color, but you can adjust according to your taste.
Can I use ground cardamom instead of whole cardamom pods in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground cardamom; however, start with a smaller amount, as it’s more concentrated, and adjust as needed to achieve your desired flavor.
