Fig-Almond Milk

So, the Holi is just one day away. Many must have prepared the guest's list, set the menu or done with the shopping. Here is a quick recipe to enjoy this colourful festival a little more. It will be great to serve this drink to your guests as a welcome-drink to get them charged for the festival fun!!

This milk drink is just perfect for holi, I think, because it is quite heavy on stomach, so it means you will be getting enough energy to enjoy the festival easily. After all you have to run after each other to get them (or get yourself) colored....hehe! Honestly I don't like getting coloured, but once I get trapped, I fully enjoy the spirit of holi to the fullest. It is just the start that seems so difficult to me, what about you? :D

Well, this drink has the goodness of figs and almonds. The crunch of fig seeds what you get while sipping, is truly fun. The addition of HOMEMADE CONDENSED MILK gives it a nice rich depth. Well, not only for festivals, but also for your health in general this drink is very nutritious. Just skip the condensed milk and add honey instead to avoid refined sugar. So don't wait to try this awesome drink anytime and cook the natural way!!

HAPPY HOLI TO ALL OF YOU!!

You need

1 cup dried figs (chopped)
1 star anise
1/2 cup water
seeds of 3 green cardamoms

4 cups milk (cold) (use almond milk for vegan)
1/2 cup condensed milk (use 1/4 cup honey for vegan) (HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CONDENSED MILK)
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 teaspoon vanilla essence
water for grinding (as required)

Method

1. Soak almonds in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Later peel them and chop them.

2. Meanwhile, in a pan, add figs, star anise, cardamom seeds and 1/2 cup water. Cook till water evaporates. Discard star anise and Keep figs aside to cool.

3. When cooled, grind figs and almonds into a paste. Add enough water to make grinding easier (if needed).

4. Now in a large vessel, blend together milk, condensed milk, fig-almond paste and vanilla essence. I used hand blender for this step.

5. Keep in refrigerator to cool. Garnish with almonds and serve chilled. ENJOY!!!!

SERVES 4-5