Milk is a very adaptable component found in many Indian delicacies and even some delectable curries.
Despite its popularity, milk occupies a very important place in daily consumption. It is nutrient—and protein-rich, which is vital for human growth at every stage of development.
From incorporating it into cereals to creating revitalising fruit shakes and smoothies, the increasing and inevitable inclusion of milk in the daily dietary chart has forced people to be creative and push the boundaries of cooking to include milk in mainstream cuisine.
Here are some of the dishes including dessert which are milk based and are perfect for your midnight cravings.
7 Milk Dishes To Try During Midnight Hunger Pangs
1. Phirni
Phirni is traditionally eaten from clay pots called kasoras, and there's nothing like the smell of these pots accompanying the dish. To make phirni or firni, you need milk, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. Almonds and pistachios are also optional. For an extra-luxe touch, sprinkle some chandi ka varq (silver leaf) on top. Add rose or kewra essence to the phirni if you have it. Place in ceramic katoras, if possible; if not, place in little bowls (katoris).
2. Kulfi
Kulfi is much more tasty than an expensive ice cream for sure. Having a thandi thandi kulfi on a scorching summer day feels like heaven. Serve kulfi with a falooda or on a stick (Tillewali kulfi). An Indian frozen treat called kulfi is comparable to ice cream. A few frequently found flavours are mango, rose kulfi, pista, kesar-badam, and kaju-kishmish. Researchers are experimenting with novel kulfi flavours, including butterscotch, chocolate, Jamun, and paan. You can make kulfi at home with any item, like almonds, mangoes, malai, and raisins. It's incredibly simple to make. To create kulfi, use full cream milk only, as the finished product will be creamier.
3. Ice cream
Summer time is never complete without ice cream. Craving ice cream after lunch is a common experience, as ice cream vendors and parlours remain closed throughout the lockdown. Ice cream is simple to make at home. You only need milk, sugar, and almonds or fresh fruit as flavourings. While you may make it without one, a few recipes also ask for a churner.
Making a classic mango/strawberry ice cream in the ice cube tray can transport you back decades, and it's a great way to keep the kids busy during the lockdown. When you de-mould that thick cube of strawberry-mango "ice cream," you will notice the pure joy on their faces.
4. Milk Shakes
Thick milkshakes can stand alone as a meal. One of the best things about creating milkshakes at home is how many nutritious and fresh ingredients you can use. You have complete control over how healthy or how evil they are. For that diner-style aesthetic, top with a dollop of ice cream and gobs of chocolate syrup, or add fresh fruits, seeds, and nuts.
5. White Pasta
One item that was foreign to the nation until twenty years ago is white sauce pasta. It's a staple that most people have always kept stocked in the pantries. With just three ingredients—maida, milk, and butter—making white sauce pasta at home is simple and quick. Should you desire a creamier sauce, you can incorporate cheese and mayonnaise. A substitute for maida, atta can also produce white sauce.
6. Kashmiri Paneer
The scent of all the spices takes the front stage in this version of the Kashmiri paneer, which has very mild flavours. A delectable meal of Kashmiri Paneer is made with loads of milk, saunf powder, dry ginger powder, and a handful of khada masalas, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. When ready to serve, add large chunks of deep-fried paneer and boil for 4–5 minutes. Grated coriander leaves should be added. Alongside hot dum aloo, mooli ki chutney, and boiled rice, serve.
7. Shorba Ghiye Ka
What would you want to eat for dinner? Try this incredibly aromatic filling and quick and simple ghiye ka shorba. Chop the onions, garlic, and ghiya (bottle gourd) in a pressure cooker. Add pepper, salt, and a stick of cinnamon. Four to five whistles under pressure. Allow it to cool before pureeing it. Pour into a bowl and cover with two cups of milk and shredded paneer. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Think of this as a basic, experiment-ready ghiya-stock. Add whatever you want to; add broccoli, grated carrots, corn, mushrooms and baby corn. Your demands for dinner will be satisfied with a bowlful of delicious soup.
Milk is a staple food found in every Indian home and is high in nutrients. Milk is drunk and used to make tea, coffee, and by-products such as paneer and curd. Many sweets and savoury dishes in Indian homes are made with milk. Whenever you crave anything creamy, now you know what to create.