Turmeric and Ginger Milk Drink

Commonly called ‘halad doodh’ or ‘haldiwala doodh’ translates to turmeric – halad / haldi, milk – doodh. This turmeric ginger milk drink recipe is lovingly served by all moms, grandmoms, dads and caregivers to everyone, across homes in India.

A cup of this golden hot drink is very comforting, soothing and warming especially on rainy, wintry or cold nights and transitional seasons as a bedtime drink.

Because of the medically proven antiviral, antibacterial and healing properties of the ingredients, this turmeric milk drink is used as a recuperative home care remedy for colds, flu, physical injuries, fatigue, etc. in addition to doctor prescribed medications or treatments. Read more about the immunity boosting properties turmeric and ginger on this blog here – Indian Ingredients and their Multiple Benefits.

Traditionally, a simple hot drink made from staple Indian kitchen ingredients with several possible modifications and additions depending on what you are trying to treat and what is available on hand. Here is the basic recipe for haldi doodh/ turmeric milk.

Recipe – Turmeric and Ginger Milk Drink

Serving size: 1

Prep time: 0, Cook time: 5-8 min.

Ingredients –

Turmeric powder (halad / haldi), and

Dry ginger powder (suntha / soonth) – in equal proportion (1:1)

Ghee (toop / clarified butter)

Sugar or honey – just to taste (optional)

Milk – as per preference – including nut, coconut, oat, etc. as long as it is stable upon boiling. Avoid fat-free milk for this recipe.

Tip: Fat and heat synthesize and amplify the properties of curcumin and ginger making the drink more potent and the antiviral and anti-bacterial properties much more effective.

Method –

Heat ½ or 1/3 cup milk (any kind as per preference) preferably on stove top. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer. Add 1/4^th tsp each turmeric and dry ginger. Stir constantly to avoid any burning. Let it come to a quick rolling boil. Take it off the heat. Stir and pour into serving mug. Stir in 1/4^th tsp or more of ghee. Serve it hot.

Drink up!

Tip: You can replace dry ginger with a small piece of fresh ginger (‘ala’ or ‘adrak’) crushed, mixed with a teaspoon of milk or water to get all the juices and added to the milk before boiling. Then follow through with the rest of the procedure.

Bonus tip: Add a pinch of crushed cardamom, cinnamon or go fancy with a couple strands of saffron (‘kesar’) at the end of the recipe if you like! The aroma is very soothing.

Enjoy the warm comfort of this drink as it works hard in multiple ways to heal, strengthen and warm you up from the inside!