Monday, May 25, 2009

Health Drink - Almond Milk/ Badam Kheer

Almonds mistakenly were considered too fatty to be a healthy snack! but research has shown otherwise. 90% of the fats in almonds are unsaturated, it is high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Almonds are considered to be the healthiest and most nutritious nuts of all. Owing to this fact it is termed as the source of well-balanced food. Almonds make a great snack, as they reduce the blood sugar levels and free radicals from the body. Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Almonds include but not limited to:
- Help in the prevention of cancer, as they are low in saturated fat
- Contain protective nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which assist strengthening of bones
- Contains phyotchemicals, which protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer
- Reduces the risk of heart attack
- Help in checking blood cholesterol levels
- Contain lots of fiber, which is good for the system
- Contain folic acid, which is believed to reduce levels of homocystein, the amino acid thought to contribute to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries
- Assist in controlling diabetes, by lowering blood sugar after meals
- Provide essential anti-oxidants and help in the clean up of the free-radicals in the body

Badam kheer or a health drink made of almond and milk has been my favourite ever since childhood. My mom used to make it frequently considering its health benefits. It enjoyed it most during the summer months when i got back from school.

Ingredients: makes 4 glasses

Almonds 40
Milk 4 glasses
Ghee/clarified butter 2 tsp
Saffron 3-4 strands or 1 pinch
Sugar 12 spoons
Saara pappu (telugu) chironji (hindi) 3 tbsp

Method:

1. Soak almonds in water overnight and peel the skin out
2. Puree almonds along with half glass milk in the blender
3. Bring the remaining milk to boil in the mean time
4. Add almond paste to the milk and keep stirring constantly till the raw smell goes. This might take 8-10 mins
5. Add sugar, stir well, turn stove off and then put in the saffron
6. In a saucepan heat ghee to roast saarapappu (pieces of cachew if desired). Mix this to the badam kheer

This could be consumed either warm or cold. It satys good in the refridgerator for upto 3-4 days.

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