Masala Doodh

Masala Doodh refers to milk infused with blended spices and dry fruits. It is traditionally prepared on auspicious occasions such as Kojagiri Pournima (the full moon day during the Sharad season) and during the Haldi-Kunku ceremony held during the Sankranti festival in January.

On Kojagiri Pournima, also known as Sharad Pournima, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Indra are worshipped. Masala Doodh is prepared and placed under the moonlight, as people play various games and celebrate the night together. The milk is then consumed by everyone.

Now, let’s look at the recipe for Masala Doodh for 2 people.

Ingredients:

  • half a liter of milk
  • 7-8 almonds
  • 10 Charoli (Chironji seeds)
  • 4 grated pistachios
  • A pinch of turmeric
  • A pinch of dry ginger (Sunth) powder
  • 7-8 saffron strands
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 cardamoms
  • half a nutmeg

Process:

  1. Soak 7-8 almonds in water for about 4 hours.
  2. Remove the skin of the almonds and blend them along with 4 pistachios and some water in a blender.
  3. Heat the milk on a low flame.
  4. After 5 minutes, add the blended almonds and pistachios, along with 10 Charoli seeds.
  5. Add a pinch of turmeric, Sunth (dry ginger) powder, and 7-8 saffron strands.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar.
  7. Grind 5 cardamoms and 1/2 nutmeg into a fine powder.
  8. Keep stirring the milk continuously, even as it comes to a boil.
  9. After 2-3 boils, add the cardamom-nutmeg powder, then let the milk settle.
  10. Enjoy Masala Doodh hot or cold, as per your preference, after placing the cup under the moonlight for some time on Kojagiri Pournima.

Happy Kojagiri Pournima!