The Celebrity Buzz
Known for her fitness and distinct style, Adah Sharma created a stir on social media when she posted a video of herself enjoying 'kala doodh' or black milk. In her characteristically playful manner, she demonstrated how to make the drink, highlighting
its benefits for skin and overall wellness. The video quickly went viral, with fans intrigued by the unusual beverage. Adah's recipe involves blending black sesame seeds with cashews and dates to create a creamy, naturally sweet drink. She even suggested using the leftover pulp as a face pack, making it a zero-waste wellness routine.
What Exactly Is Black Sesame Milk?
Black sesame milk is a non-dairy, plant-based beverage made from black sesame seeds. It has a rich, nutty, and slightly earthy flavour, often compared to peanut butter. Popular in many parts of Asia, especially in Chinese and Korean cuisine, it's enjoyed both as a refreshing cold drink and a warm, comforting latte. The process of making it is similar to other homemade nut milks like almond or cashew milk: the seeds are typically soaked, blended with water, and then strained. Its deep, charcoal-like colour comes naturally from the hulls of the black sesame seeds, which are left intact.
A Powerhouse of Nutrients
Black sesame seeds are more than just a colourful ingredient; they are packed with essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are vital for bone health. The seeds contain healthy polyunsaturated fats and compounds like sesamin and sesamol, which are antioxidants that may help reduce cholesterol levels and support heart health. In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame has been used for centuries to nourish the body, support hair health, and improve skin quality, thanks to its high antioxidant and vitamin E content.
Simple At-Home Recipe
You don't need to be a celebrity to enjoy this delicious drink. Here’s a simple way to make black sesame milk at home.Ingredients:- 1/2 cup raw black sesame seeds- 4 cups of water- 2-4 pitted dates (or 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste)- 8-10 raw cashews (optional, for extra creaminess, as seen in Adah's version)- A pinch of saltInstructions:1. Toast the Seeds: Gently dry roast the black sesame seeds in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and start to pop. This enhances their nutty flavour. Let them cool completely.2. Blend: Add the toasted sesame seeds, water, dates, cashews (if using), and salt to a high-speed blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.3. Strain: Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a large bowl or jug. Squeeze gently to extract all the liquid.4. Serve: Your homemade black sesame milk is ready. Enjoy it chilled, or warm it gently on the stove for a comforting beverage.
Customise Your Creation
The beauty of homemade sesame milk is its versatility. For a richer flavour, you can soak the sesame seeds and cashews in water for a few hours or overnight before blending. Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavour. If you prefer a protein-rich version, you can even try blending the seeds with soy milk instead of water. The leftover pulp can be stored and added to smoothies, oatmeal, or used to make energy balls, ensuring no nutrients go to waste.
