Emirati Saffron Date Milk
Cold pasteurized milk blended with dates, saffron, and cardamom.
Preparation: 10 min · Cooking: 0 min · Total: 30 min · 4 servings
Ingredients
- 800 ml pasteurized whole milk — Contains milk (dairy allergen). Use pasteurized milk only.
- 120 g soft dates, pitted
- 0.1 g saffron threads
- 0.3 tsp ground cardamom seeds
- 8 pc ice cubes made from drinking water
Instructions
Check and chop the dates
Split each soft date and remove any pit or hard stem. Weigh 120 g of pitted dates, then chop them into small pieces so they blend evenly.
Refrigerate the dates with saffron
Measure 800 ml cold pasteurized whole milk. Pour 200 ml into a lidded bowl with the chopped dates and 0.05 g saffron threads (a small measured pinch). Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes; keep the remaining 600 ml milk refrigerated.
Refrigerate dates with saffron: 1200 seconds
Blend the soaked dates
Pour the dates and all 200 ml of their soaking milk into a blender. Close the lid and blend until the date pieces are finely broken down. Switch the blender off before scraping its sides.
Blend with milk and cardamom
Add the remaining 600 ml cold milk and ¼ tsp ground cardamom seeds. Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth and pourable. Check that no hard date pieces remain; if needed, blend again briefly.
Smooth and pourable, with no hard date pieces.
Blend with milk and cardamom: 30 seconds
Pour over ice and serve
Put two of the 8 clean ice cubes made from drinking water in each of four glasses. Pour the milk mixture over the ice and serve cold. Refrigerate any remainder promptly.
Tips
- Blend the dates with only 200 ml milk first so the blender can break them down before the drink is diluted.
Common mistakes
- A missed date pit can damage the blender or be a choking hazard.
- Do not leave the dairy drink at room temperature during the soak or after serving.
Substitutions
- For a cardamom-free version, omit the ¼ tsp cardamom; keep the same dates, saffron, milk, and ice.
Storage
Cover and refrigerate at 4°C or below; use within 24 hours. Discard if left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 32°C.
Reheating
Do not reheat; this milk drink is served cold. Stir refrigerated leftovers before serving.
About this recipe
Dates, saffron, and cardamom are familiar flavors in Emirati hospitality. This chilled milk blend brings those ingredients together in a home drink.
Editorial approval does not establish independent kitchen testing. Check allergens and follow safe food handling.