Index

With the arrival of autumn, the days get cooler, the leaves change color, and everything starts to feel a bit cozier. This is the time when I most enjoy a good cup of golden milk, a comforting and healthy drink that has been part of Indian tradition for centuries.

Making golden paste at home not only simplifies the process of having it ready anytime, but also ensures that you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious cup of golden milk in just a few minutes, anytime during the day.

What is Golden Milk?

Golden milk, also known as “Haldi ka Doodh”, is a traditional drink used for a long time in Ayurvedic medicine and known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In its simplest form, golden milk is a mixture of warm milk with ground turmeric and black pepper. But if we add a balanced blend of aromatic spices, it becomes a delicious and warming drink while enhancing its nutritional properties. Comfort in a cup!

Ingredients for Preparing Golden Milk Paste

– Turmeric: Organic turmeric powder is the best option for preparing golden milk. Turmeric has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor with some spicy and citrusy notes. If it’s your first time making golden paste and you’re not familiar with the taste of turmeric, be careful with the amount you use. Start with a small quantity, taste it, and add more as needed next time. Please don’t overdo it either, as it can turn medicinal and gritty in taste.

– Black Pepper: Piperine, a compound in black pepper, enhances turmeric absorption. It’s best to use freshly ground black peppercorns, as pre-ground pepper loses some of its beneficial properties over time.

– Cinnamon and Ground Ginger: These spices not only add a warm flavor but also boost the antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory power.

– Nutmeg: Nutmeg pairs well with black pepper and is lovely when mixed with milk. Use only a small amount of nutmeg to add its unique flavor to this golden paste.

– Ground Cloves: I love adding a bit of ground cloves for their numerous health benefits. If you don’t have ground cloves, you can crush a few in a mortar.

– Maple Syrup: Golden milk tastes better with a sweetener. I’ve used maple syrup, but you can replace it with honey or any sweetener of your choice.

– Coconut Oil: This helps give golden milk that extra fat content needed to absorb turmeric’s compounds and also helps preserve the golden paste better.

– Hot Water: Hot water helps unify all the ingredients and create the paste’s texture.

How to Make Golden Milk Paste

In a bowl or a small glass jar with an airtight lid, add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves (all in powder form).
Mix well until fully integrated.
Add melted coconut oil and maple syrup. Then, slowly add hot water and mix until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous paste.
Close the jar and store it in the fridge.

How to Make Golden Milk with Golden Paste

In a saucepan, add about 250 ml of your preferred milk. Heat the milk over medium heat without letting it boil.
Add a teaspoon (or more, according to your taste) of the golden paste to the hot milk.
Use a whisk to stir well until the paste is completely dissolved.
Taste and add more sweetener if desired.

Tips

If it’s your first time making this golden paste, start by using less turmeric; you can always add more next time after tasting it.
You can use any sweetener of your choice or leave it out entirely.
Feel free to add other spices according to your preference.
You can prepare a dry mix using only powdered spices if you don’t want to make a paste. In this case, there’s no need to add coconut oil or water.
You can also use fresh turmeric root instead of powdered turmeric. To do this, peel and blend it with a little water until you get a turmeric paste.

How long does Golden Paste Last?

This paste, stored in an airtight glass jar in the fridge, will stay good for more than 2-3 weeks.

What kind of milk to use for Golden Milk?

Traditional recipes always use whole milk. Both piperine and curcumin are fat-soluble, so turmeric is absorbed better with the presence of fat. If you prefer to use plant-based milk, the best options are almond milk and coconut milk.

When to Drink Golden Milk?

Golden milk is usually consumed before bed, but it’s so delicious and comforting that you can enjoy it any time of the day, whether in the morning or the afternoon.

Benefits of Golden Milk

The main ingredient in golden milk is turmeric. Numerous studies show that curcumin, the primary compound in turmeric, helps reduce inflammation, prevents skin-related issues, reduces joint pain, and helps our body develop a stronger immune system.

Ginger and black pepper not only add a delicious spicy flavor but are also digestive allies. They help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, easing digestion and reducing discomfort like bloating.

Golden milk is the most delicious way to enjoy a healthy drink that strengthens our immune system, thanks to the combined action of turmeric, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon – all known for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties. This makes the drink an excellent ally during the changing seasons and colder months.

Additionally, drinking a cup of golden milk every night before bed helps you fall asleep.

Three fun facts about turmeric you might not know:

Turmeric contains over 300 natural components, such as beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc, and other nutrients.
In Chinese medicine, turmeric is used to aid digestion and relieve abdominal discomfort.
In the West, turmeric was first used as a fabric dye.

Making golden paste at home allows you to enjoy the benefits of golden milk anytime without complications. Rich in nutrients, this drink is an excellent way to improve your health and well-being, all while savoring a delicious and comforting taste.

Print recipe: How to Make Golden Milk Paste for Golden Milk (Easy Turmeric Paste Recipe)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Cuisine: India

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

6 tablespoons of turmeric powder
2 teaspoons of ground black pepper (approx.)
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (adjust the amount to taste)
3 teaspoons of ground ginger (adjust the amount to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2-3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
4-5 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
2-3 tablespoons hot water (to adjust consistency)

Method

Preparation of golden milk paste

In a bowl or small glass jar with an airtight lid, add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves (all in powder form).
Mix well until completely blended.
Add the melted coconut oil and honey or maple syrup. Then, gradually add hot water and mix until you obtain a smooth, even paste consistency.
Close the jar and store in the refrigerator.

Making Golden Milk with Golden Milk Paste

In a saucepan, add approximately 250 ml of your preferred milk. Heat the milk over medium heat without bringing it to a boil.
Add a teaspoon (or more, depending on your preference) of golden paste to the hot milk.
Using a whisk, stir well until the paste is completely dissolved.
Taste and add more sweetener if desired.

Notes

If it's your first time making this golden paste, start by using less turmeric; you can always add more next time after tasting it.
Traditional recipes always use whole milk. Both piperine and curcumin are fat-soluble, so turmeric is absorbed better with fat. If you prefer plant-based milk, the best options are almond and coconut milk.
You can use any sweetener of your choice or none at all.
Feel free to add other spices to suit your taste.
You can prepare a dry mix using only powdered spices if you don't want to make a paste. In this case, there's no need to add coconut oil or water.
Golden milk is usually consumed before bed, but it's so delicious and comforting that you can enjoy it any time of the day, whether in the morning or afternoon.