ACK 11.9: Garam doodh

Garam doodh

Hot milk

By Krsna's arrangement, the cow eats grass and transforms it into milk, a drink both delicious and rich in all the nutrients needed for good health and spiritual progress. The proteins, fats, and vitamins in milk develop the finer tissues of the brain. Milk is thus the perfect food for one seeking advancement in spiritual life. Srila Prabhupada recommended drinking a cup of hot milk in the morning and one at night.

Preparation and cooking time: 10 min

5 cups (1.2 liters) milk
3 tablespoon sugar or 2 tablespoon honey

Either bring the milk to a boil three times, being careful that it doesn't spill over, or maintain it at a gentle rolling boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the sweetener, and stir until it dissolves.

You may also flavor the milk by adding 3 or 4 bruised cardamom pods, a drop or two of rose-water, 1 tablespoon of chicory or carob powder, a big pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon, or a few strands of saffron.

Hot milk can also make a wonderful banana or mango nectar drink. Crush a ripe banana or mango into a pulp and mix it into the sweetened hot milk. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

Just before serving any type of hot milk, pour the milk from one cup to another several times. This cools it slightly and aerates it.