Soothing concoctions of medicinal herbs have always found its place in Indian traditional medicine. Sweetened milk is often a good way of delivering this. Growing up with these handy remedies, these milk-based concoctions are the first to run in my head when the immunity levels are low.
Here are the chai recipes I frequent on
Tulsi chai – Basil latte
Black pepper tea
The weather changing and the irresistible cold bugs do need a quick dose of home goodness to get them out. So this time we have the soothing sweetness of the palm jaggery in thin coconut milk and infused with some more spice goodness
Why palm jaggery?
The sugar palm and coconut palm are the common ones contributing to the palm sugar in Asian countries. The sap when fermented becomes an alcoholic drink called toddy. But for sugar making it is the unfermented fresh one that is cooked down.
Here is an account of how I observed an learnt this palm sugar making in Cambodia.
Experiencing palm candy making in Cambodia
The sap of the palm tree cooked and reduced to this sweet treat is very often considered highly valuable in traditional medicine. The concentration of the sap allows the minerals and fibre to remain in the sweetener making is superior to the regular sugar. This is why it is known for higher amounts of iron and phosphorous. The heat-stable amino acid content in this is also considerable.
Lower than table sugar in glycemic index, smaller quantities of this sugar may be better than the refined version. But exercise caution when using as a diabetic as ultimately it does have glucose, sucrose and fructose.
Quick dos and don’ts
- If you are allergic to coconut or palm products stay away from this recipe
- Do not add the palm jaggery while the milk is boiling. It will curdle.
- The quantity of the long pepper is minimal as it can be spicy.
- If diabetic please consult your doctor before trying out home remedies.
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Marundu Karupatti Paal
A home remedy of warm spiced milk with palm jaggery
Ingredients
For boiling
- 2 cups full cream milk / plant based milks use coconut milk for vegan versions.
- 1/2 cup drinking water
Spice mix blend
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp fennel seed
- 4-6 long pepper thippili, pilppli
- 1 pinch nutmeg grated
- 1 black cardamom
- 1-2 pieces dry ginger or powder
the sweetener
- 2 tbsp Palm Jaggery
Instructions
Spice mix
- Collect all the ingredients for the spice mix.
- In a pan dry roast the fennel, the cumin,long pepper, the black cardamom and the dry ginger pieces
- Cool it slightly and pound them. Grind it into a smooth powder and add the nutmeg.
- Store this mix in an airtight container for use.
For the drink
- Bring the milk and water together into a boil and add 1/2 tsp of the spice mix.
- Let them boil in a simmer and infuse the aromatic spice into the milk
- Remove from heat and stir in the palm jaggery. Strain the milk if preffered.
- Serve warm and enjoy sips.
Notes
For vegan versions gently simmer the coconut milk and do not boil it.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Seema, I assume that the long black ingredient is long pepper. Just where do you get it? It is a totally new ingredient to me. I love the spice powder you have made it sounds very flavourful and effective too.
Will love to try making it for myself.
Hi Archana, the long black one in the image of the spice mix is long black pepper or pipilli. I usually buy mine in Indian stores here. It either comes in separately or as a mix with whole garam masala mix. In India, I used to buy this from medicinal herb store, the jadi booti types.
Wow!!! Love this remedial concoction!! Such beautiful flavors to indulge in! Love it especially now that winters are here!
It is wonderful in winter and with weather changes. please do try it, I do love it when throat is sore.
I can just imagine the aroma and superb taste of this drink. So perfect during the winter months. Long pepper is new to me- is it related to black pepper?
It is lovely during winter, the long pepper or pipilli is the black one in the image of the spice mix, it is not black pepper. You can find it in indian grocery stores or herbal medicine stores.
Most Indian families have their own healthy spicy drink recipes to combat the cold. Marundu Karupatti Paal does look like a lovely hot drink to have to beat the cold. My family usually relies on hot turmeric milk or tulsi milk.
true every family will have thier own ones. It is great to share them as they are all a part of taking care of oneself
Thank you for sharing such a traditional home remedy recipe. Most of the spices in your concoction are very easy to obtain too. Will have to try it out sometime.
Beautiful blend of flavours in remedial concoction Marundu Karupatti Paal –
sounds so unique. The blend of spices is wonderful. It’s one hell of an ancient recipe to combat the cd winter season.
A must try.
This is a must have remedy for the winter months. I have never used fennel seeds in my mixture. I am going to make it next time with fennel. Also I have some fresh thippili from India. I am going to try it soon.
I can imagine the wonderful aroma and aage of this healthy milk rich in spices.. i make turmeric milk or Besan doodh for kids in winters..good to learn a new recipe to beat the chilly harsh winters here.
This is one handy remedial concoction for the winters and also when low on immunity!! Frankly, I can just enjoy it anytime….Such beautiful flavours going on there! But, I just use regular pepper…Lovely share!
true and absoluetky works with Pepper. I love to use long pepper as it actually helps to remove phlegm form the chest with the colds and coughs
Wow, this milk sounds so good and soul satisfying. As the winters are approaching, its a perfect concoction to stay warm. Even I make similar recipe using almonds and dates sans the spices. Trust me, such home remedies always give a boost to immunity and help us fight flu and other winter ailments.
We Gujjus usually have Raab, a similar recipe but made without milk. All these warm and medicinal spices are sure to help you out when you are feeling under the weather. I wish I get hold of palm jaggery.
Good concoction Seema, it is ideal to use during cough and cold. Adding of palm jaggery is a good idea.
I am loving it seema ! This authentic Marundu Karupatti Paal looks as a perfect winter days home remedies. The use of palm jaggery is a lovely idea instead of regular ones.
Spiced milk with palm jaggery sounds so flavorful and delectable. I love the taste of palm jaggery. And aromatic spices will make it more tempting. Bookmarked it to try soon.