ALMOND MOON MILK
This grounding, nourishing recipe is enjoyed warm in the evenings as a perfect wind-down before bedtime — a delicious, subtly sweet, malty treat. Almonds are strengthening and nourishing, whilst dates are considered a tonic in Ayurveda: Sattvic, meaning harmonious and creating Ojas or vigour in the body. Sweet fennel seeds are cooling and yet digestive, helping to relieve bloating and alleviate any nausea and indigestion, a perfect way to end the day. Dairy milk is another Ojas food in Ayurveda — always simmered and served warm to make it more digestible, or use almond milk as your base, another Ayurveda classic. Tweak your Almond Moon Milk to suit your daily needs by adding some fragrant herbs and spices as below.
INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
5 raw almonds (or blanched)
1-2 pitted medjool dates
¼ tsp fennel seeds, grind in a pestle and mortar or use ready ground
½ cup of organic milk (full fat and unhomogenised if possible) plus 1 cup water
OR 1 cup of almond milk (no need to add extra water to the almond milk)
METHOD
In the morning (or at least 5 hours before), soak the almonds in water. To prepare the drink, slip the almonds from their skins (if not already blanched) and place in a blender with the medjool dates, ground fennel seeds and dairy milk.*
Blend on low to begin with and gradually increase to medium until the almonds and dates are well blended.
Add the rest of the water (if using dairy milk) and blend again.
Transfer to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, lid off, for 10 minutes, to reduce to one cup’s worth.
To serve, transfer to your favourite mug and sip slowly at a temperature that suits you that evening, using a teaspoon to scoop up the almond goodness at the bottom, remembering to take a seat and begin the relaxing process before bed.
*If using almond milk (or any plant milk), blend the almonds, dates and fennel with half the almond milk before blending in the rest. Heat the almond milk to your desired temperature and serve. No need to bring to a boil.
East by West tips:
Feeling hot, bothered and irritable? Simmer with a pinch of ground cinnamon and some dried rose petals or a dash of rose water for a more cooling tonic to soothe that Pitta.
Feeling cold and wired, spaced out or anxious? Add a tiny pinch of saffron and a couple of crushed cardamom pods for warmth and Vata balance.
Feeling sluggish, heavy and cold? Balance Kapha aggravation by substituting goats milk or rice milk, add a pinch of black pepper and turmeric and instead of sweetening with the dates add a dash of raw honey when the drink has cooled enough to comfortably drink.
