Add
a special touch to special occasions
Masala
means a spice blend or mixture of spices. Here, it means a ground powdered form
of dry nuts and spices which is added to milk. This masala milk has got religious
significance, as it is specially consumed on Sharad Purnima.
Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojaagiri Purnima is celebrated on the
full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin. This festival is also known
as Sharad Poonam. This year it is celebrated on 26th October 2015.
In
Brij region of India, Sharad Purnima is also known as Raas Purnima. It is
believed that on the day of Sharad Purnima, Lord Krishna performed Maha Raas,
the dance of divine love.
The
Sharad in Sharad Purnima signifies the Sharad ritu (season) of the year.
Basically a harvest festival, it also has religious significance. It is also
known as moonlight celebration, as it is believed that on this day, the moon
rays have certain healing properities which nourish the body and the soul. The brightness
of the full moon brings special joy, especially after monsoon. Hence to take
advantage of this devine phenomenon, traditionally on the day of sharad
Purnima, Masala doodh, a famous Indian milk preparation made od cow milk, sugar
and nuts flavored with cardamom, is prepared and left in moom light for the
first part of the night. Later, this masala doodh, which is believed to be
invigorated and fortified with the moon light is considered and distributed as
Prasad in family members.
One
glass of hot milk with masala powder in the night will help in getting sound
sleep. The spice nutmeg in the powder calms, relaxes and helps in getting
sleep. With all the dry nuts in it, this masala powder makes an excellent drink
with milk, for both kids and adults.
In routine days, this
fragrant dry fruits blend can also be added to a glass of hot milk. Add a
sweetner like sugar or any sweetner you prefer. Stir and serve. You can skip
sugar too. Avoid adding honey as a sweetener, as honey should not be added to
hot drinks, as per Ayurveda, honey becomes toxic when heated.
If
not heating up the milk and serving cold or at room temperature, then you can
add honey.
You
can also add a few teaspoons of the masala powder to various Indian sweets like
kheer, ras malai, phirni, kulfi and many more.
"A
dash of Milk masala and you are ready to serve a drink
That
will make special times even more special.
Rich dry fruits and saffron
blended perfectly add magic to milk."
If stored in fridge the
shelf life of this masala powder is about 1 to 2 months.
So
let’s make the Masala doodh for Kojagiri Purnima.
Masala
Doodh - Beverage made milk flavored with cardamom and nutmeg along with dried
nuts and saffron.
AUTHOR:
Monali
RECIPE
TYPE: Beverage
CUISINE:
Indian
SERVES:
3-4
INGREDIENTS (measuring cup used, 1 cup=237
ml)
For Masala-
DIRECTION
NOTES
SERVING SUGGESTION
Masala
doodh tastes great when hot; but it can be served chilled as well.
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