Fiji Sot Drink | Turmeric Milk Drink For Mothers | Lactation Drink for Mothers

This drink, fondly called Sot in Fiji, is packed with healing properties. There are many variations of this drink not only throughout Southeast Asia, but also where many Indian diaspora. This nourishing postpartum drink offers new mothers a delicious drink, but also supports the her healing process and aids in breastmilk production. It helps with digestion and inflammation associated to child-birth. 

Ingredients:

2 inch piece ginger, grated (adrak) 

2 inch piece cinnamon (dalchini)

1 tsp fennel seeds (sauf) 

1-2 cloves (lawang) 

4 black peppercorns (whole) (golmirch) 

10 cardamom pods (ellaichi) 

1/4 tsp carom seeds (ajwain) 

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds * (methi) (see note below) 

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

4 oz water 

12 oz good quality full fat milk 

1 tsp ghee (good quality) 

sweetener to taste (you can use sugar or honey) 

Method:

1. In a heavy bottom pan, dry roast all of the spices *excluding turmeric and ginger. Let cool. 
2. Crush all dry spices into a coarse powder, either using a mortar pestle or a spice grinder 
3. In a medium sauce pan, add water, ginger and spices and boil for 5 mins of medium low heat. 
4. Add ghee and turmeric and stir well. 
5. Add milk and bring to boil. Simmer for lowest heat for 10-15 minutes ensuring that the mixture doesn't overflow. 
6. Add sweetener of your choice, turn off heat, and let sit for 5 minutes.
7. Strain mixture using a fine sieve strainer and serve. You can garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, saffron strands, or cardamom powder if you'd like. This makes two 8 oz servings or one large serving. 

Note: Some research shows that fenugreek can decrease milk supply in lactating mothers. If you notice a decrease in supply after consuming fenugreek, I suggest that you stop intake and remove from this recipe.