Golden Turmeric Milk or Haldi Doodh is every mom and grandmom's go-to immunity booster every time we've been hurt or under the weather. Turmeric or Haldi is a crucial ingredient in Indian kitchens and mixing it with warm milk is traditional comfort at its best!
This Golden Turmeric Milk, or more commonly known as haldi doodh is the first line of medicine in most Indian households. Growing up, this is what our mums' and grandmas' would make every time we had a cold, or fell down and scraped some skin. It's like a little shot of immunity boosting goodness, and is safe for everyone - including pregnant women, sick children or adults.
Quick Walk Through: Haldi Doodh
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric has some major benefits, which I think we as Indians have always valued which is why it's such a frequently used spice in an Indian house. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it great for people with autoimmune conditions. It is a great antiseptic and can prevent major diseases like heart, cancer, and delay diabetes. If you want to know more about this yellow spice then you can read all about the health benefits of turmeric here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Turmeric milk boasts of a number of benefits and can prevent against a range of illnesses. It's immunity boosting properties make it an excellent drink and absolutely safe to be had everyday.
Traditionally turmeric milk only uses two spices, turmeric and black pepper to. However some people prefer to add other other spices cinnamom powder, chai masala, cardamom powder, ginger, etc. to enhance the flavors. However, this is totally optional. I prefer my haldi doodh the traditional way with just a bit of honey.
At bedtime. That's because when we sleep, our body repairs itself. So having haldi doodh just before you going to sleep can help your body it's maximum benefits.
While haldi doodh and turmeric latte are often interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Haldi doodh is a traditional Indian drink that's made with just three ingredients - milk, turmeric powder, and black pepper. Whereas turmeric latte which is mostly available at popular cafes is actually a sugary beverage that served with a shot of espresso.
Top Tips To Make Haldi Doodh
- Traditionally, haldi doodh is made using fresh turmeric root. But it can be a little hard to find, so most people prefer making it with turmeric powder, which is a lot more accessible.
- Try to use organic turmeric powder if possible. Readymade turmeric powder can sometimes contain a dye called metanil yellow, which can be toxic. So always make sure to check the ingredient list before buying a pack.
- Always remember to store turmeric powder it in an airtight jar and don't forget that a little goes a long way.
- Turmeric is usually made in whole milk, but if you're vegan you can easily swap it for coconut, soy, or almond milk.
- Adding honey or any other sweetener is optional.
Turmeric Milk is something I always drink when I feel the first signs of flu coming on, and it can really work for you if you have cough, cold or just a sore throat. If you want to make your haldi doodh a little more interesting, then don't forget to check out my Golden Turmeric Milk Chia Seed Pudding. It's a really wholesome and delicious breakfast you'll love!
How to Make Golden Turmeric Milk the Right Way?
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole milk Or Coconut / Soy / Almond
- ยพ teaspoon turmeric Powder or Haldi
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- ยผ teaspoon Black pepper Ground or Pepper Powder, reduce it to a pinch if you prefer less spicy
Instructions
- Mix together all the ingredients in pan and bring it to boil.
- Simmer for a minute or so and switch off the flame.
- Sip slowly while still hot.
Notes
- Consume immediately as it will become bitter if left to sit.ย
- You can also use crushed ginger, cinnamon powder, crushed cardamom or cloves.ย
- Honey can be substituted with sugar or jaggery as well.ย
- Make it vegan by using coconut milk, soy milk or almond milk.ย
Lauren says
Wow! I was expecting this to taste very heavily of turmeric, but it's actually very mild and pleasant. The milk and honey are the predominant flavors. Thanks for this recipe! It's delicious. ๐
richagupta says
I'm so glad you like it ๐ The thing with something like turmeric is that a little goes a long way.
Molly says
Can 2%milk be used instead of soy almond or coconut?
richagupta says
Absolutely Molly. I've made it with 2% milk many times.
Richa Gupta says
Hey Mandy, it should be ground black pepper. Ground black pepper is used for it's anti bacterial properties in India. I've made the change in the recipe as well. You are right - cayenne pepper would be too spicy.
Mandy Krug says
Hello! What type of ground pepper? ground black pepper or ground cayenne red pepper? Are used the ground cayenne red pepper the other nightโฆ Was very spicy!
Richa Gupta says
Hi Cye, I'm sorry it was too spicy for me. The heat of the pepper is actually a good cure for the sniffles and for your throat, and strangely enough it helps the body cool down. But if it's too spicy for you, feel free to reduce it down to a pinch or two. That should still do the trick!
Cye says
The pepper is way too spicy for me! I barely got it down. Do you have to put so much pepper for it to be effective?
Anindya Sundar Basu says
hey get well soon. Lovely pictures as always.
Louise Holmes says
Thanks for your swift reply. I will definitely be giving it a go ๐
Richa Gupta says
Hey Louise, thanks for stopping by ๐ Pepper powder is the same as ground pepper. It's also said that a glass of warm turmeric milk before sleeping can be quite relaxing, and help you sleep better. I hope you try it ๐
Louise Holmes says
Hi Richa, I am keen to try this, but I am unsure what "Pepper powder" is - I have noticed before that there are quite a few differences between British English and Indian English. Is it what we would call ground pepper or is it actually ground chilli? Nice blog by the way ๐
Cheri Bunting says
I substitute young living black pepper essential oilโs โ two drops.
Richa says
Sounds perfect!
Richa Gupta says
Haha Sriprasanna I can't get over all the names that Haldi Doodh has today ๐
Richa Gupta says
Thanks Shumaila, feeling much better today ๐
Sriprasanna Madan says
I love that vibrant yellow against the white background !! And yes, the world cant get enuf of our haldi doodh aka turmeric latte ๐
Shumaila Chauhan says
And hope you are feeling better!
Shumaila Chauhan says
I love turmeric milk when I have a cold or cough. Tried and tested home remedy! Lovely pictures ๐
Gina says
Can I use it for weigh loose?