Description
Spiced Carrot Milk (Gajar Doodh) is a warm, comforting Indian beverage made by blending fresh carrots with milk, gently simmered with cinnamon and sweetened to taste. Rich and creamy with a subtly spiced flavor, this traditional drink is perfect for nourishing snacks or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Nuts
- 2-3 fresh carrots (about 110g), peeled and roughly chopped
- 4-5 walnut halves (optional)
Dairy and Sweeteners
- 3 cups 2% milk, divided
- 2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
Spices
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (scant)
Instructions
- Prepare Carrot Paste: Add the peeled and roughly chopped carrots, walnuts (if using), and 1/3 cup of milk into a blender jar. Blend until you get a super fine, smooth paste, adding extra milk as needed to achieve the right consistency. You should get about 3/4 cup of carrot paste total. For this recipe serving two, use only 1/4 cup of this paste.
- Heat Milk with Carrot Paste: In a heavy sauce pot, combine 2.5 cups of milk with 1/2 cup of the prepared carrot paste. Place the pot on medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom. Bring the mixture to a slow boil.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 8-12 minutes. Stir occasionally while the milk thickens slightly and the carrots cook through, infusing their flavor into the milk. Adjust consistency by adding a splash of milk during simmering if needed.
- Add Flavor and Sweeten: Stir in the ground cinnamon and sugar until well incorporated. Remove from heat once combined.
- Serve Warm: Pour the spiced carrot milk into serving cups. Optionally, garnish with ground pistachios or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- The carrot paste can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-4 days for convenience.
- Adjust sugar to preference or substitute with a natural sweetener if desired.
- Use 2% milk for a balance of creaminess and lightness, but full-fat milk can be used for a richer taste.
- Walnuts add a subtle nutty flavor but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Garnish with pistachios or almonds to enhance texture and presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
