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Quick answer
Dates with milk is a traditional night-time drink: two or three soft dates chopped into a glass of warm milk, or dry chuara boiled in it until soft. Plainly put, what it gives you is a filling, naturally sweet drink of roughly 250 to 300 calories, with the protein and calcium of the milk and the sugar and fibre of the dates, which is why families have long given it to growing children and to anyone who needs more calories.
It is one of the simplest things you can make with what is on our dates shelf, and there are a few ways to do it.
Why families drink dates and milk at night
In many North Indian homes, a glass of warm milk before bed is a habit, and chuara boiled in it is the older, winter version. Softer dates chopped into milk are the everyday one. In both cases the dates take the place of sugar, so the drink is sweet without anything added.
It is also filling. A warm glass with a few dates is closer to a small meal than a drink, which is worth knowing whether you want that or not.
What is in a glass of dates with milk
A 250 ml glass of milk has about 8 g of protein and around 300 mg of calcium. Dates add natural sugar, some fibre and a little potassium. These are approximate figures, and the calories depend mostly on the milk you use.
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. calories |
|---|---|---|
| Toned milk | 250 ml | 150 |
| Full-cream milk | 250 ml | 210 |
| Medjool dates | 2 dates, about 45 g | 125 |
| Kalmi or other soft dates | 3 dates, about 30 g | 85 |
| Chuara | 3 pieces, about 15 g | 45 |
| Almond slivers | 1 tablespoon, about 8 g | 45 |
So a glass of toned milk with three soft dates is around 235 calories, and full-cream milk with two Medjool dates and some almonds is closer to 380.
How to make dates with milk
With soft dates, in five minutes
- Remove the seeds from two or three soft dates and chop them small.
- Warm a glass of milk until it steams, then add the dates.
- Let it sit for two or three minutes so the dates soften and sweeten the milk.
- Add a pinch of crushed elaichi if you like, and drink it warm.
Soaked and blended
Soak the pitted dates in a little milk for an hour, or overnight in the fridge, then blend with the rest of the milk and warm it gently. This gives a smooth drink with no pieces, which children often prefer.
With chuara, boiled
- Soak three chuara in water for a few hours, or overnight, until they can be slit open.
- Remove the seed and cut the flesh into strips.
- Simmer in a glass of milk on a low flame for ten to fifteen minutes, stirring, until the chuara is soft.
- Finish with elaichi, a few Badam Katran slivers, or a strand or two of saffron if you have it.
Which dates are best with milk
- Medjool Dates are large, soft and caramel-sweet. Two are plenty for a glass, and they melt into warm milk.
- Kalmi / Safawi Dates are soft, sweet and a little cheaper per glass. They chop cleanly and are our everyday suggestion.
- Chuara / Kharak (Dry Dates) need boiling, but they are the least sweet, the cheapest and keep for months in a jar.
- Firmer dates such as Fard work if you chop them finely or blend them.
Everything is on our dates shelf, and for how to tell a fresh lot from a tired one, see how to judge a khajur before you buy it.
Dates and milk for weight gain
Dates and milk is often suggested to people who want to gain weight, and the reason is simply calories: it is an easy way to add 250 to 400 calories to a day without a full meal. Full-cream milk, Medjool dates and a spoon of nuts push the number higher.
If you are trying to lose weight, the same glass counts as a snack, so use toned milk and fewer dates, or keep it for occasional evenings.
Who should check first
Dates are high in natural sugar, so if you have diabetes, ask your doctor before making this a nightly habit. The same goes for pregnancy, for anyone who is lactose intolerant, and for anyone on a prescribed diet.
Questions people ask
How many dates should I add to a glass of milk?
Two Medjool dates or three smaller soft dates are enough to sweeten a 250 ml glass. For chuara, two or three pieces is usual.
Do I need to add sugar to dates with milk?
No. The dates sweeten the milk on their own, especially if you let them sit in it for a few minutes.
Can I drink dates with milk every night?
Many families do. Count it in your day’s calories, and ask your doctor first if you have diabetes or any other condition.
Should dates be boiled in milk or just soaked?
Soft dates only need warm milk. Dry chuara should be soaked and then simmered, or it stays hard.
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Written at our counter, where these questions get asked every week.
