Milk, a symbol of nourishment and revered in Ayurveda – ancient Indian medicine practice – for its health benefits, forms the base for a vast array of delectable dishes among milk based food products from India. From breakfast staples to celebratory desserts, Indian cuisine celebrates the versatility of milk with a symphony of textures and flavours.

Let’s delve into this creamy world and explore some of the most amazing milk based food products India has to offer.

Breakfast Champions:

• Dahi (Yogurt): A quintessential part of an Indian breakfast, dahi is a simple yet versatile yogurt. Made from whole milk that’s fermented with yogurt cultures, it comes in a variety of textures – creamy and spoonable, or thick and drinkable like buttermilk. Dahi can be enjoyed plain, flavoured with fruit and honey, or tempered with mustard seeds for a tangy kick. It’s also a key ingredient in savoury dishes like dahi vada (deep-fried lentil fritters dipped in yogurt) and raita (yogurt-based dip with vegetables).
• Lassi: This refreshing yogurt-based drink is a delightful way to start the day. Traditionally churned by hand in a matka (earthenware pot), lassi comes in sweet and savoury options. Sweet lassi is blended with sugar, sometimes mango or other fruits, for a creamy and thirst-quenching beverage. Savoury lassi, also known as chaas, is a thinner buttermilk drink flavoured with cumin and mint, perfect for beating the heat.

Sweet Sensations:

• Shrikhand: This rich and creamy dessert is a celebration of milk’s thickening power. Strained yogurt is flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes chopped nuts, then sweetened with condensed milk or sugar. Shrikhand’s smooth texture and delicate sweetness make it a popular choice for festive occasions and everyday indulgence.
• Gulab Jamun: These melt-in-your-mouth dumplings are a beloved Indian sweet. Milk solids are kneaded into a dough, shaped into balls, and deep-fried. They are then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup flavored with rosewater and cardamom. The result is a warm, syrupy dessert with a soft, pillowy texture.

Savoury Delights:

• Paneer: This fresh cheese curdled with lemon juice plays a starring role in countless Indian vegetarian dishes. Paneer boasts a mild flavour and firm texture, making it incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed scrambled with vegetables, deep-fried in curries, or grilled as kebabs.
• Kheer: This creamy rice pudding is a comfort food enjoyed warm or cold. Rice is simmered in milk with sugar, cardamom, and sometimes nuts or raisins. Kheer comes in various regional variations, with some incorporating saffron for a luxurious touch.

Regional Specialties:

• Mishti Doi: This Bengali specialty is a fermented sweet yogurt with a unique flavour profile. Earthenware pots hold the yogurt as it ferments, resulting in a thick, creamy texture and a slightly caramelized taste. Mishti doi is often served chilled and enjoyed for its sweet and tangy balance.
• Shrikhand Peda: From Gujarat comes this delightful fusion of shrikhand and peda (a milk-solid based sweet). A rich shrikhand base is flattened and stuffed with a sweet and nutty filling, then shaped into bite-sized dumplings/balls. The contrasting textures and flavours make this a memorable treat.

Beyond the Plate:

• Ghee: Clarified butter plays a vital role in Indian cuisine. Butter is simmered until the milk solids separate, resulting in a pure, golden liquid fat. Ghee has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking, and adds a nutty aroma to dishes. It’s also used for religious purposes and believed to have medicinal properties in Ayurveda.

India’s love affair with milk extends far beyond these examples. From creamy kulfis (frozen desserts) to phirni (ground rice pudding), the possibilities are endless. So next time you’re craving something delicious, explore the world of Indian milk-based food products and embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of India.