Madras Masala Paal

Masala Paal (Masala Milk)..the very word bring back fond memories from my childhood. Saravana Bhavan is a very famous restaurant in Tamil Nadu. They have this milk and its a star in their menu. They have so many outlets and this milk was first introduced in the T. Nagar outlet.

So my chithappa (my father's younger brother) used to take my cousing and me for a late night walk and treat us to this wonderful soothing milk from Saravana Bhavan. We both would relish every sip of this milk and then enjoy lots and lots of stories from him.

The milk would be boiling in a big vessel and ladles of it would be poured into cups for the customers.

Weather in Pune is getting colder with incessant rains and all the body wants is something soothing. So made this milk and relived my childhood days...

What would you need:

1. Milk - 1/2 litre
2. Sugar (or) Palm Sugar - according to taste
3. Pistachios - 10 (blanched and finely chopped)
4. Badam - 5
5. Cashew - 5
6. Cardamom - 3 pods (crushed)
7. Cinnamon - 1/2' stick
8. Cloves - 2
9. Peppercorns - 5
10. Nutmeg - a pinch
11. Turmeric Powder - a pinch
12. Saffron -  a generous picnh

How to go about it:

1. Soak the cashews and badam in hot water for 15 minutes. Peel the skin of badam and grind it along with the cashews to fine paste and keep aside.
2. Soak the saffron strands in little warm milk and keep aside. 
3. Pour the milk into a heave bottomed pan and bring to a boil.
4. Add the cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns and sugar. Let it boil until it reduces to 3/4th of the content.
5. Remove the spices. Add the ground paste and boil for another 10 minutes.
6. Finally add the cardamom, saffron and the blanched pistachios. 
7. Serve hot or cold

Njoy with your loved ones...

Luv...

Champa...