Golden Milk

When I was completing my Yoga Teacher training back in 2013 I learned about this magical little drink and quickly started making it for everyone I knew. Admittedly I lost the habit but in recent weeks I've been thinking about it a lot and feel like it's time to start creating magic in the kitchen again.

Turmeric has many beneficial properties that have made it a staple in Indian culture. It's added to many food dishes as well as onions, ginger and garlic. It's use in Golden Milk makes this drink rich with a hint of spice that will be sure to warm you up on even the coldest days.

What is Golden Milk?

Golden Milk is a traditional Ayurvedic drink made with turmeric (either ground root or ground), milk, black pepper and oil. The reason for this strange combination of ingredients is that they all work together to make sure your cells make the best use of the curcumin (the active part of turmeric we are looking for).

Benefits of Turmeric

• Supports immune function
• Offers some relief for joint pain and aids mobility
• Eases symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia and tendonitis
• Supports the body's inflammatory response

The Recipe

I do this in two parts. First I make a paste which is commonly known as Golden Paste. You can store this in a jar in the fridge for up to a month and use each time you make Golden Milk. Make sure your jar is clean and seals well and your Golden Paste will keep longer for you. When you notice any mould forming on the paste it's time to throw it out and make a fresh batch.

My top tip when it comes to sourcing your ingredients for this recipe are to try and find organic and sustainable ingredients. I always use organic ground turmeric mainly because here in the West of Ireland it's not so easy to source the organic root. Depending on your location and taste you might prefer the root. Try both and see what you like best. I buy only organic, cold-pressed coconut oil and organic black pepper which I grind myself.

So I'll give you the recipe as I make it myself and remember you can tweak it depending on what you can source yourself and personal preferences.

Ingredients for the Golden Paste

8 teaspoons Ground Turmeric

4 tablespoons Coconut Oil

1 teaspoon ground Black Pepper

1 cup water

Optional Extras

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Method

1. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan, stirring well and simmer on a low heat.
2. Make sure to stir all the time so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.
3. When the water has evaporated and you have a thick paste you are finished.

To Make Golden Milk

1. Add one teaspoon of your Golden Paste to your favourite mug.
2. Top up with warm milk. You can use cows milk, a nut milk, oat milk, any type of milk you like!
3. Add a spoon of local honey or maple syrup to your taste.
4. Enjoy