What Exactly is Black Milk?
First things first: despite its name, Black Milk contains no dairy. It is a plant-based drink that gets its striking dark colour from its primary ingredient: black sesame seeds (kala til). Adah Sharma shared the recipe on social media, explaining that someone
told her it could make her skin glow. The drink is a simple blend of just a few natural ingredients, positioning it as a wholesome alternative for those who avoid regular milk or are looking for new plant-based options. The core components are black sesame seeds, cashews for creaminess, dates for natural sweetness, a pinch of salt, and water.
The Power of Black Sesame Seeds
The star of this drink is undoubtedly the black sesame seed. Traditionally used in various Asian cuisines and medicine systems like Ayurveda, these tiny seeds are considered a nutritional powerhouse. They are a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Black sesame seeds also contain healthy polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants like sesamin and sesamolin, which are believed to help combat oxidative stress in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame is valued as a blood-nourishing ingredient that supports energy and longevity. Its inclusion in a drink like this aligns with a wellness philosophy focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
The Simple Recipe: Step by Step
Making Adah Sharma's Black Milk at home is surprisingly simple. Here is a straightforward guide based on the recipe she and others have shared. 1. Roast the Seeds: Start by dry roasting about half a cup of black sesame seeds in a pan on low heat. Keep stirring until they begin to pop or crackle. This enhances their nutty flavour. Be careful not to burn them. 2. Toast the Cashews: In the same pan, lightly toast a small handful of cashews (around 8-10) until they are fragrant. 3. Blend Everything: Once the sesame seeds have cooled, add them to a blender. Follow with the toasted cashews, two pitted dates for sweetness, a small pinch of salt, and a cup or two of water. 4. Grind to a Smooth Purée: Blend all the ingredients until you have a smooth, dark liquid. The cashews help create a creamy texture while the dates provide natural sweetness without any processed sugar. 5. Strain the Milk: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a muslin cloth to separate the liquid from the pulp. Squeeze the cloth tightly to extract all the liquid. The resulting dark, smooth 'milk' is ready to drink.
Adah's Tip: Don't Waste the Pulp!
In her post, Adah Sharma shared a clever zero-waste tip. She suggests using the leftover pulp from the straining process as a face pack. After making the milk, you can apply the remaining sesame and cashew paste to your face and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Adah playfully specified leaving it on for exactly 7 minutes and 56 seconds. This is because the ingredients are natural and the ground seeds can act as a gentle exfoliant for the skin. However, it's always wise to do a patch test before applying any new substance to your face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Does It Really Make Your Skin Glow?
Adah shared that she tried the drink after being told it could enhance her skin's glow, a claim often linked to its nutritious ingredients. Black sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E, which are known to support skin health by repairing the skin barrier and retaining moisture. Cashews provide healthy fats, and staying hydrated with water-based drinks is always beneficial for the skin. While a single drink is not a magic solution for perfect skin, incorporating nutrient-rich, whole-food ingredients like these into a balanced diet can certainly contribute to overall health, which often reflects in your skin's appearance. A healthy lifestyle, including a good diet, proper sleep, and hydration, is key.
