What To Know
- In a bowl, soak the poppy seeds in enough water to cover them for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil.
- Add fresh fruit chunks, such as strawberries, bananas, or mangoes, to your khas khas milk for a fruity and flavorful twist.
As the summer sun beats down, it’s time to seek solace in refreshing beverages that not only quench our thirst but also nourish our bodies. One such delight is the traditional Indian drink, khas khas milk. Made with poppy seeds, this creamy concoction is a perfect blend of taste and health benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup khas khas (poppy seeds)
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Soak the Khas Khas: In a bowl, soak the poppy seeds in enough water to cover them for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will soften them and make them easier to blend.
2. Grind the Khas Khas: Drain the soaked poppy seeds and grind them into a fine paste using a blender or food processor. Add a little water if needed to facilitate blending.
3. Simmer the Milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Khas Khas Paste: Pour the ground khas khas paste into the simmering milk and stir well. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Sweeten and Flavor (Optional): If desired, add sugar or honey to taste. You can also add cardamom powder or saffron for extra flavor.
6. Strain and Chill: Strain the milk mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
7. Serve Chilled: Serve the chilled khas khas milk over ice cubes and enjoy its refreshing and creamy goodness.
Health Benefits of Khas Khas Milk:
- Hydrating: Khas khas milk is an excellent source of hydration, making it an ideal beverage for hot summer days.
- Cooling: Poppy seeds have a cooling effect on the body, helping to reduce body heat and provide relief from the scorching sun.
- Digestive Health: The fiber content in poppy seeds aids digestion and prevents constipation.
- Bone Health: Khas khas milk is rich in calcium, which is essential for strong and healthy bones.
- Pain Relief: Poppy seeds contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
- Improved Sleep: Khas khas milk has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
Variations:
- Fruitful Twist: Add fresh fruit chunks, such as strawberries, bananas, or mangoes, to your khas khas milk for a fruity and flavorful twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, on top of your khas khas milk for an added crunchy texture.
- Spiced Delight: Enhance the flavor of your khas khas milk by adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger powder.
Tips:
- For a thicker consistency, use less milk or add some cornstarch to the mixture.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can grind the poppy seeds using a mortar and pestle.
- For a vegan version, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the refreshing and nutritious khas khas milk this summer. With its simple ingredients and countless health benefits, it’s the perfect beverage to beat the heat and nourish your body from within.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make khas khas milk without grinding the poppy seeds?
A: Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. You can soak the poppy seeds overnight and crush them coarsely before adding them to the milk.
Q: How long can I store khas khas milk?
A: Khas khas milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Is khas khas milk safe for children?
A: Yes, khas khas milk is safe for children. It’s a nutritious and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
