Until a few months ago, I’d never heard about susu kurma, or date milkshakes. I chanced upon it while surfing GoFood (the instant food delivery service, and my favourite app during the pandemic), looking for a refreshing drink. In the sea of trendy coffees and bubble teas, I noticed quite a number of shops selling susu kurma. Out of curiosity, I ordered one and googled it while waiting for the drink to be delivered. I realized the drink is a huge trend! Where have I been? Why has no one ever introduced it to me?
When the susu kurma arrived, I realized why the drink is such a big hit. It was delicious! The drink was cooling, sweet and milky. I was in awe.
Susu kurma is decadent but loaded with good stuff. Dates are teeming with vitamins and nutrients, including iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B. Dates are also high in fiber and a good source of antioxidants. Some of the date’s health benefits include strengthening bones, promoting healthy digestion and bowel movements, and boosting the immune system. Something we really need to battle the coronavirus.
Susu kurma is a Ramadan favourite, too, in Indonesia. As an excellent natural sweetener, the date is favoured by many Muslims when breaking the fast. Consuming dates after the day’s fast can help the body’s blood glucose levels quickly return to normal. It is also easily digested, making it a quick source of energy and nutrients.
Preparing the drink
Nothing is easier than making a date milkshake. All we need is 3 simple ingredients: dates, milk and water (to soak and soften the dates). The only “cooking” technique involved is blending all the ingredients into smooth, silky shakes, and voila! A luscious, creamy date milkshake is ready to enjoy. If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain it after blending. But personally, I love the tiny crunchy bits of dates, which add more texture to the drink. They also add a ton of fibre to the drink.
Susu kurma can be prepared using any milk available on hand, such as cow’s milk, almond milk, or soy milk. We can also use skim milk, low fat milk or whole milk. Some people add a few tablespoons of honey for extra sweetness; but honestly, the dates are more than enough to make it sweet. Also, the date’s natural sweetness is so delicious I don’t want to mix the taste with artificial sweeteners.
This drink is excellent served both hot and cold.
Print
Susu Kurma: Date Milkshake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indonesian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Susu kurma, or date milkshake, is a popular cafe drink in Indonesia. It’s packed with the rich nutrients of dates and milk, is rich and tasty, and is super easy to make.
Ingredients
- 15 pieces dates, pitted
- 500 ml milk
- Drinking water for soaking
Instructions
- Soaked the pitted dates in drinking water (just enough to cover the dates) overnight.
- Put the soaked dates (including the water) and milk in a blender, and then blend it until smooth.
- Transfer the drink to a serving glass, add some ice cubes if you prefer and serve!
Notes
- If using soft dates, the soaking time can be reduced to a few hours instead of overnight.
- Additional fruit such as banana can also be added.
Keywords: Quick and Easy, Healthy, Common ingredients
