Dairy-free Golden Milk [Turmeric Milk Tea]
This simple dairy-free golden milk recipe is a vegan version of the traditional drink from India. Golden milk gets it colour from ground turmeric and is flavoured with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is a cozy, warm drink that I love to make at home on a chilly day.
What is Golden Milk
Golden milk or turmeric milk is known as Haldi ka Doodh in Hindi and is a popular drink that has been consumed for centuries in India. The term golden milk gets its name from the bright yellow pigments from turmeric spice which are mixed into white milk. The result in a smooth, rich golden drink.
What is turmeric
Turmeric spice comes from Curcuma longa, which is a flowering plant related to ginger (Zingiberaceae family). Turmeric is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and turmeric has been consumed for thousands of years in traditional cuisines. Most notably, it is used to flavour curries and add vibrant colour to dishes and condiments such as mustard. Turmeric is also used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine.
The wonders of turmeric
Turmeric has become quite popular as of late not only for its ability to colour and flavour dishes, but for its reported anti-inflammatory properties. Many scientific studies on turmeric and curcumin (the active component in turmeric) have shown both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties according to PubMed and the United States National Library of Medicine.
If you are curious about turmeric, there is information online from reputable sources to help determine if it is something you. WebMD has an overview of turmeric uses and side effects, however, always speak to your licensed health professional before adding a new ingredient to your diet.
Turmeric Spice with Milk
If you've never tried golden milk, you are in for a surprise. When I was first introduced to this traditional drink, I was interested, yet skeptical; I knew the flavour profile of turmeric to be very bold, earthy, unmistakably pungent and bitter.
However, this warm, cozy drink is delicious, creamy, smooth, and comforting. The intense flavour of turmeric is tempered with almond milk and the added sweetener reduces its pungency.
Where to find Turmeric
For this recipe, I use an organic turmeric spice found in the spice aisle of my local grocery store. Turmeric is often sold in bulk or in small packages or jars. You can also buy fresh turmeric root, but stick with the dried, ground spice for this recipe.
According to WebMD, it is also important not to confuse turmeric with other plants which might share the same name: Javanese turmeric root, tree turmeric, zedoary or goldenseal—all of these are unrelated plants that are sometimes called "turmeric".
How to make this recipe perfect
- You may wish to strain your golden milk through a fine sieve to remove any bits of spice before serving; this is optional, but recommended if you use whole allspice buds.
- Do not boil this recipe; the golden milk will take on a bitter taste if this happens. Make sure the mixture just comes to a light simmer and starts steaming.
- Whisk the mixture constantly to ensure it heats evenly and the flavours meld together. Whisking also enures that there are no lumps of spice in the mixture.
Substitutions for this recipe
Many of the ingredients for this vegan golden milk can be adjusted to taste, so feel free to play around with it to find a desirable flavour profile you like. Cardamom and allspice are optional spices to add as noted in the recipe card.
You can replace the almond milk with another variety of plant milk: traditionally, golden milk is made with whole milk; using plant-based milk is already a change from the traditional version. However, if you want a dairy free version and prefer not to use almond-based milks, cashew, oat or coconut based milks will work . I have not tried this recipe with hemp based milks; if you try it, let me how it works for you in the comments.
Coconut oil can also be omitted: this ingredient simply makes the drink more creamy and smooth, however, you can easily omit this.
A note about turmeric and stains
Please be aware that turmeric can very easily stain clothing, equipment and utensils, so keep this in mind when preparing and enjoying this recipe. Turmeric can also temporarily stain your skin and fingernails.
More Recipes Like This
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy some of my other recipes with turmeric:
Sunrise Citrus & Root Smoothie
Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Soup with Hemp Hearts
Dairy-free Golden Milk [Turmeric Milk Tea]
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- ⅛ teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground ginger
- 1-2 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or a pinch of pure Stevia extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Optional
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice, or a pinch of ground
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
Instructions
- Pour the almond milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in the remaining ingredients (and optional ingredients if desired) and whisk continuously over medium heat, until the mixture reaches a light simmer.
- Remove from heat and carefully pour or ladle it into two heat proof mugs. Allow the golden milk to cool before enjoying so as not to burn your mouth. Serve warm.*Please note that turmeric can very easily stain clothing, equipment and utensils*
Notes
Nutrition
This is an approximation of the nutrition offered in this recipe, and is created using a nutrition calculator. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your preferred calculator.
Disclaimer
all recipes on The Simple Green are developed and tested in a Canadian kitchen, at normal elevation, using electric appliances and ingredients available in Canada. Results may vary.
Comments
No Comments