Adah's 'Black Milk' Recipe
Adah Sharma recently shared a video of herself preparing a 'kala doodh', or black milk, made from a few simple, wholesome ingredients. To make it yourself, you start by dry roasting half a cup of black sesame seeds in a pan until they begin to pop. In
the same pan, lightly toast a small handful of cashews (about 8-10). Once the sesame seeds have cooled, add them to a grinder along with the toasted cashews, two deseeded dates for natural sweetness, a pinch of salt, and some water. Blend this mixture until it forms a smooth paste. To get the final 'milk', pour this mixture into a muslin or cotton cloth and squeeze it firmly to strain the liquid into a glass. The result is a creamy, nutrient-dense, and entirely vegan beverage.
The Power of Black Sesame
The star of this drink is the black sesame seed, a tiny ingredient with a massive nutritional profile. Black sesame is a fantastic source of calcium, containing significantly more than dairy milk, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. It is also rich in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. The seeds contain antioxidants like sesamin and sesamolin, which help fight oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Traditionally, black sesame is celebrated for its health benefits, including supporting heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels and promoting a healthy digestive system due to its fibre content.
Dates: Nature's Sweetener
Instead of processed sugar, Adah's recipe uses dates to provide a natural, caramel-like sweetness. Dates are more than just a sweet treat; they are a nutritional powerhouse in their own right. They are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin A, dates support overall health. The combination of natural sugars (glucose and fructose) provides a quick energy boost, while the fibre ensures a slower, more sustained release of energy, preventing the sugar crash associated with refined sweets. When paired with milk or milk alternatives, dates can help create a balanced and satisfying drink.
Cashews: For Creaminess and Health
The creaminess in this vegan milk comes from cashews. These nuts not only provide a rich texture but also add significant health benefits. Cashews are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. They are also packed with essential minerals like copper, magnesium, and manganese, which are vital for bone health, brain function, and immunity. The protein and healthy fats in cashews make the drink more satiating, keeping you full for longer. When blended, they create a smooth, dairy-free base that is both delicious and nourishing, perfectly complementing the nutty flavour of the sesame seeds and the sweetness of the dates.
A Fit and Vegan Philosophy
This recipe aligns perfectly with Adah Sharma's long-standing commitment to a vegetarian and largely vegan lifestyle. A vegetarian since birth, she advocates for plant-based eating for both health and ethical reasons. Her diet often includes simple, home-cooked meals, South Indian dishes like idli and dosa, and plenty of fresh produce. Adah frequently shares healthy food hacks, such as using persimmon for mousse or making crackers from sunflower seeds, demonstrating that a vegan diet can be creative and delicious. This black sesame milk is another example of her simple yet effective approach to wellness, focusing on whole foods to create nutritious and enjoyable meals.
