Masala Paal (Nutty Milk)
Me being a vegetarian, milk is the main source of protein and it is recommended to have at least 2 cups of milk a day :) My Husband and my Mom both can stay alive just by drinking milk !! Wonder how they drink so much milk :) Though i drink milk I am not a huge fan except for Hotel Saravana Bhavan's Rich Masala Paal. I just love the rich nutty flavored milk :)
It is usually available after evening in the hotel and they keep the milk always hot in low flame and reduce the quantity of the milk, it gets slightly thick and creamy!! Love it :) People who know about this I am sure you already decided to make it and People who don't know about this should definitely give it a shot. Since we add nuts it gets even better source of protein.
Preparation time: 5 mins
cooking time: 1 hour at least
serves : 2
INGREDIENTS:
- Milk - 600 ml or 2 1/2 cups
- crushed nuts - 2 tbsp / to taste (I crushed 1 tbsp almonds, 12/ tbsp cashews, 1/2 tbsp pistachio)
- Sugar / any sweetener to taste
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
- Saffron strands (Optional) - few (to season the drink)
DIRECTION:
It is very simple, In a large thick bottomed pan add milk and let it boil once it reaches the boiling point reduce the flame to simmer or medium to medium low and leave it. Once in a while keep strring with a the laddle so the it doesn't stick / burn at the bottom.
It is a long process but worth waiting, in case if you are adding sweetener add it when you simmer the stove. Keep strring the milk and once you see the milk is reduced from 2 1/2 cup to 2 cups then add turmeric powder and crushed nuts to it and again leave it for another 5 to 10 mins.
When its cooking for a long time it forms cream layer on the top slowly separate the layer once in a while without breaking and leave air for the milk to boil.
Tastes heavenly when Hot or cold :)
Note:
- Instead of adding sweetener, few tbsp's of condensed milk can be added it gives a whole new perspective to the flavors
- If you want it cold refrigerate for at least an hour. +