Ginger Milk

Name: Ginger Milk
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Ginger Milk

Beverages • India

150

KCAL

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PROTEIN (G)

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CARBS (G)

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FAT (G)

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How to Make Ginger Milk

Traditional + healthy version with step-by-step photos · 35 min total · 2 servings

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How to Make Ginger Milk (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

Easy

Ginger Milk, known as 'Adrak Doodh' in Hindi, is a comforting and aromatic beverage originating from the southern regions of India, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Revered for its soothing properties, Ginger Milk is often enjoyed during monsoon and winter months to ward off chills and boost immunity. The combination of fresh adrak (ginger) and creamy doodh (milk) creates a unique blend that's both warming and invigorating, perfect for chilly mornings or as a bedtime drink. Traditionally, this drink is prepared with minimal ingredients, allowing the spicy-sweet notes of ginger to shine. Ginger Milk is a staple in many Indian households, especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti and Pongal, when families gather to celebrate the harvest season and enjoy nourishing foods. Its simple preparation makes it accessible, while its health benefits make it a favorite among health-conscious individuals. The beverage is mildly sweetened, often using jaggery (gur), which imparts a caramel-like flavor and enhances its nutritional profile. The result is a creamy, fragrant drink that soothes the throat, aids digestion, and delivers a gentle energy boost. Ideal for vegetarians, Ginger Milk is a wholesome alternative to caffeinated drinks and can be easily adapted for various dietary needs.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Allergens: Dairy

Ingredients(for 1 cup (240 ml) per serving)

2 cups Full-fat milk (doodh)
1.5 inch piece Fresh ginger root (adrak) (peeled and grated)
2 tablespoons Jaggery (gur) (powdered, adjust to taste)
2 Cardamom pods (elaichi) (crushed) - optional
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper powder (kali mirch) - optional
1/4 cup Water
4-5 Saffron strands (kesar) (optional for garnish) - optional
2 cups Low-fat milk (for weight-loss variation) - optional
as needed Stevia or coconut sugar (for diabetic-friendly variation) - optional

Instructions

1
Peel and finely grate the adrak (ginger). Crush the elaichi (cardamom) pods and set aside.
5 minutes
Use a microplane for easy grating and maximum ginger flavor.
2
In a saucepan, add water and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes to extract the flavor.
5 minutes
Simmering ginger in water enhances its health benefits and aroma.
3
Add milk to the saucepan and allow it to heat on medium flame. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
7 minutes
Heat milk slowly for a creamy texture and to prevent scorching.
4
Add powdered jaggery and crushed cardamom pods. Stir well until jaggery dissolves completely.
3 minutes
Ensure jaggery is added after milk is hot but not boiling to avoid curdling.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This traditional Indian beverage is a healthy choice due to its minimal use of processed sugars, reliance on jaggery, and the inclusion of ginger, which is known for boosting metabolism and aiding digestion. Milk provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein, making Ginger Milk an excellent option for breakfast or post-workout recovery. The recipe can be easily adapted to suit weight loss or diabetic needs by swapping out milk or sweeteners, ensuring inclusivity for various diet types.

Ginger Milk is rich in calcium and protein from doodh, while adrak delivers powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Jaggery is a natural sweetener that contains iron and minerals, making it a healthier choice over refined sugar. Cardamom and black pepper add digestive benefits, and saffron provides a dose of antioxidants. This beverage supports immunity, aids digestion, and offers balanced macros suitable for vegetarians. The combination of milk and ginger makes it ideal for bone health, muscle repair, and soothing sore throats.