Milk powder is an easy alternative to get a creamy texture for your dish
While you try your hand at cooking up a few dishes and modify the recipes as per your liking, you may discover some better alternatives that are wonderfully disguised to give similar taste with lesser calories. Powdered milk is one such ingredient that ranks high for its convenient and versatile usage. It is easy to store and promises an equally creamy texture for your dish, if not more. So if you don’t have enough milk for the recipe or would want to cut corners to maintain your weekly budget, invest in a packet of milk powder to fulfill most of your culinary needs.
What is Powdered Milk?
Powdered milk is basically milk in powdered form created by evaporating the liquid. Milk powder is low in moisture content which makes it maintenance free and enables it to last longer. Milk in this form is easy to preserve, transport and also full of nutrients. It also doesn’t require refrigeration.
Powdered milk comes in many varieties such as non-fat dry milk, dry whey products, dry dairy blends and dry whole milk.
This is also a common ingredient used in cooking. Dishes such as Indian desserts like halwas, rasgullas, cakes and even chocolates. Creamy white puree or cheese sauce can also be prepared with the help of milk powder.
Benefits:
One might not know it but powdered milk is a storehouse of nutrients. Ms. Vasudha Sainik, Nutritionist & Diabetic Educator, Mumbai, says, “It contains 21 amino acids and is rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fats. And also contain Calcium and Potassium in some amount.”
The main advantage of using powdered milk is the convenience factor when cooking.
This is an ingredient that doesn’t require maintenance, thus can be stored in an airtight container and will last you a good two-three months.
Cooking Advantage:
Milk powder comes in handy for cooking purposes especially when the prices of milk are soaring high. Also, if you have run out of milk, but need it as an ingredient for consistency and texture, milk powder can be used.
Appropriate Measurements:
Mixing 2 tablespoons full of milk powder with 100ml of water (1 glass) will give you a good consistency of milk that you can use. If you need thicker consistency accordingly add the milk powder and mix well.
Storage:
It should be stored in a cool, dry area away from moisture. Empty the packet in an air tight container if you please and use whenever needed. No refrigeration is required. But try and keep it dry.
Some popular culinary uses Milk Powder:
1. Hot Chocolate: Mixing equal amounts of milk powder, cocoa powder and sugar with hot water will give you a rich, creamy hot chocolate that you will relish.
2. Cream: Mixing equal parts of milk powder and water will give you a creamier ingredient that you can use in recipes instead of the high calorie cream to get the same texture, but the taste will differ.
3. Alternative Whipped Topping: If you die of guilt every time you make some whipped cream topping, this is your alternative. Take equal proportion of ice cold water and milk powder, a dash of vanilla, some lemon juice and sugar and blend using a hand mixer until fluffy. Use this guilt-free topping instead.
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