Poppy Seed Milk (Lithuanian Christmas Eve Drink)
Reconnecting with Lithuanian traditions, especially around Christmas, can be a beautiful way to feel closer to your roots. Poppy Seed Milk, or Aguonų pienas, is a classic drink that's both easy to make and full of nostalgic flavor. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that brings a touch of Lithuanian Christmas right to your table.
Equipment
- Smoothie Maker or Food Processor
- Fine Sieve
Ingredients
- ½ cup (70g) poppy seeds
- 1¼ cup (290 ml) cold water + hot water for soaking
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ⅛ teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
- The evening before you want to drink your poppy seed milk, place poppy seeds in a small bowl. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the seeds, cover and leave to soak overnight.
- The next morning, drain the poppy seeds, rinse them with cold water and let them drain again.
- Then place them in a smoothie maker or a small food processor. Pour ¼ cup of the water in, and blitz everything for 30-60 seconds, until the mixture turns white.
- Add the rest of the water (1 cup) and blitz again for 30 seconds.
- strain the poppy seed milk through a fine sieve (you may need to do it twice if you have lots of poppy seed residue getting through a sieve).
- Rinse the bowl of your smoothie maker/ food processor. Pour the milk back into, add the sugar and salt and blitz again until combined.
- Poppy seed milk is best enjoyed chilled with Lithuanian Christmas Cookies. Make sure to shake/ stir the poppy seed milk before pouring it into a glass.