Saffron milk recipe or Indian kesar milk is a healthy and delicious drink for winters. Kesar milk is whole milk insured with the goodness of saffron. It is widely consumed across India for health benefits. You can easily make saffron milk at home with just 3 ingredients. Here is how to make Indian kesar milk with step by step photos.
This kesar milk is my favorite one among flavored milks. I prefer to have it chilled but usually it is recommended that you drink it warm.
Few other favorite flavored milks of us are cardamom milk, haldi dhoodh, pistachio milk, badam paal, masala paal, rose milk 🙂
What is Saffron Milk?
Kesar means saffron in India. It also goes by the name kungumapoo in Tamil. Basically saffron milk is milk that is infused with saffron and sweetened. It is one of the widely recommended drink for women during pregnancy.
kesar milk can be made plain or you can add some crushed nuts for some texture. Also You can add some cardamom powder for extra flavor. I however do not add any other flavoring as that will overpower the delicate flavor of saffron.
Indian kesar milk can be made by soaking the saffron in milk for 15 minutes or by simmering the milk after mixing saffron for 5-7 minutes. I prefer the later method as it is quick.
Always use whole milk for making saffron milk as it improves the taste. I have also seen recipes using condensed milk but do not use it if you are consuming saffron milk for health reasons.
This Saffron Milk Recipe Is
Delicious, rich and flavorful
Quick & easy to make
Requires only 3 ingredients
Vegetarian & gluten free
Can be made vegan by using dairy free milk
Very healthy beverage for toddlers, kids & adults.
Saffron Milk During Pregnancy?
One very big myth prevailing in India is that saffron or kesar will improve the complexion of baby. That is pregnant women are often made to consume saffron milk in the belief that will improve the skin tone of baby.
Well it is a myth and drinking kesar milk will not alter the complexion of baby. But drinking saffron milk during pregnancy is very good and has its own benefits.
- Induces good sleep
- It helps in digestion
- Decreases morning sickness
- Regulates blood pressure
- relaxes the muscles
- Reduced chance of allergies
But you should never consume in excess. Not more than 4 strands a day is what I have heard. Saffron milk is best consumed at night during pregnancy.
Saffron also increases body heat so it is a good drink for toddlers and kids during winters. Again not is excess and just 3-4 strands in milk. When you consume it with milk it is actually very good for health.
Not only for pregnant women or kids, this kesar milk is a delicious drink that everyone can sip on along with
You can serve this milk hot or warm or even chilled. Just chill the prepared milk for few hours and serve it cold. It tastes equally delicious just like warm milk.
What could be more comforting than a cup of warm saffron milk during winters 🙂 Indulge yourself in a glass of flavored milk with world’s most expensive spice 🙂
How To Make Vegan Saffron Milk?
You can easily make this kesar milk vegan by using non dairy milk. I suggest using almond milk for this recipe.
Just gently warm the almond milk first.
Add sugar, saffron strands and mix well.
Keep on gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes. Serve
Do not vigorously boil the almond milk.
Recipe Notes and Tips
Do not add too much sugar if you are consuming this milk during pregnancy or making for toddlers and kids.
You can add 1 tablespoon almond slivers while serving.
Along with saffron you can add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder per serving
The recipe can be doubled or tripled.
More Saffron Recipes
How To Make Saffron Milk Or Kesar Milk
Bring milk to a boil
Add sugar, saffron strands and mix well.
Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Serve kesar milk hot or warm.
I hope you will try this saffron milk recipe and enjoy as much as we did. P
Saffron Milk Recipe Card
Saffron Milk Recipe | Indian kesar Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 15 saffron strands a tiny pinch for each cup
- 3 teaspoons sugar
Instructions
- Bring milk to a boil
- Add sugar, saffron strands and mix well.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve kesar milk hot or warm.
Swasthika says
Hi Harini, I was really tempted by this drink and gave it a try, you know what now I am making this and your cardamom milk recipe every other night, so good for winters cheers and thanks you
kashmir store says
Good may I Know Where you Got Saffron??
augustina assiamah says
Just bought Saffron from Himani. My first usage was Soya milk. I will welcome recipes from you Harini.