An Unconventional Star
Adah Sharma, who has appeared in films like '1920' and 'The Kerala Story', is as known for her fitness and distinct lifestyle as she is for her acting. A lifelong vegetarian who later turned vegan, she often advocates for a plant-based diet and shares
her unique, healthy food creations. Her approach to wellness is practical and often unconventional, from doing handstands between shots to using whole foods like persimmon and sunflower seeds to create healthy treats. This 'black milk' recipe is another example of her creative and health-conscious approach to food.
What Exactly is Black Milk?
Contrary to what its name might suggest, Adah's black milk contains no dairy. It's a completely plant-based beverage that gets its deep, dark colour from one primary ingredient: black sesame seeds (kala til). The drink is a simple blend of these seeds with a few other natural ingredients, creating a smooth, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional milk. Adah shared the recipe on her social media, highlighting its benefits for skin and hair, and noting that it is rich in calcium, iron, and antioxidants.
The Simple Recipe for Black Milk
Making this intriguing drink at home is straightforward. According to the recipe Adah shared, you only need a handful of ingredients.Ingredients:- Half a cup of black sesame seeds- 8-10 cashews- 2 pitted dates- A pinch of salt- WaterInstructions:1. Start by dry roasting the black sesame seeds in a pan over low heat. Once they begin to crackle, remove them from the heat.2. In the same pan, lightly toast the cashews.3. Once cooled, add the roasted sesame seeds, cashews, and pitted dates to a blender.4. Add a pinch of salt and water, then blend until you have a smooth purée.5. Using a muslin cloth or a fine strainer, separate the liquid from the solid pulp. The liquid is your black milk, ready to drink.Adah also suggested that the leftover pulp can be used as a face pack.
The Nutritional Power of the Ingredients
The key ingredients in this black milk are nutritional powerhouses. Black sesame seeds are exceptionally rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. They are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. The seeds also contain antioxidants like sesamin and sesamolin, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Traditionally, they have been used to support hair health, skin vitality, and bone strength.The addition of cashews provides a creamy texture and more healthy fats, while dates offer natural sweetness without any refined sugar. Dates are also a good source of fibre and essential minerals. The combination of sesame and a natural sweetener like dates or jaggery is a classic pairing in Indian tradition, known for providing energy and nutrients.
A Healthy and Mindful Choice
Adah Sharma's black milk is more than just a quirky celebrity recipe; it's a reflection of a mindful, plant-based approach to nutrition. This homemade milk is free from the preservatives and additives often found in store-bought alternatives. For those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to add a nutrient-dense drink to their diet, this recipe is an excellent option. While no single drink is a magic bullet for health, incorporating beverages made from whole foods like black sesame seeds can be a delicious way to boost your intake of vital minerals like calcium and iron. It's a creative twist on wellness that is both simple to make and packed with goodness.
