Today, I want to share something very special with you — my grandfather’s recipe. It’s not just a recipe, but a small yet powerful piece of family history. A simple potion that my grandmother used to prepare for my maternal grandfather — something that continues to hold emotional and even medicinal value for us, even today.
A Glimpse into My Grandfather’s Life
My grandfather passed away in 1987 at the age of 72. But before that, he led a very active and disciplined life. From the 1950s through the 60s, 70s and 80s he worked a private job with responsibilities similar to those of a chartered accountant. His work took him to the estates of wealthy landowners to manage their accounts.
Back then, transportation wasn’t as accessible or widespread. So he walked — and not just a few kilometers. He would set out on foot for 60 or even 70 kilometers at a stretch, stay for a few days to finish his work, and then walk back. For him, and many others of that era, walking such long distances was a way of life.
He used to wake up as early as 4:00 AM, and before setting out, my grandmother would prepare this special potion for him — a mixture of milk and egg. We always believed this was the secret to his stamina and sharp mind, especially his mathematical skill.
The Family Memory Lives On
Even today, some of my cousins still prepare this drink, both as a nostalgic tribute and in hopes of gaining a bit of that strength and clarity in maths our grandfather had. For us, it’s more than just a health drink — it’s a connection to him, and to a lifestyle that was grounded in simplicity and resilience.
I still remember the first time I tried to drink it. I must have been around four years old, spending my vacation at my mother’s house. I watched my grandmother preparing it early one morning and insisted on having some. But the smell — oh, the smell! — was so strong and off-putting that I couldn’t take a sip. That memory, and that smell, stayed with me for years. I never tried it again… until recently.
Rediscovering the Potion
Just a few days ago, I had a persistent cough that wouldn’t go away. My mother reminded me of this age-old remedy. She told me that a few weeks before his demise, my father had a similar cough. Because of his liver issues, he couldn’t take medicines. So my mother gave him this potion for a few days. Miraculously, his cough subsided and didn’t return for the remaining days of his life.
Motivated by this, and after a lot of persuasion, I finally tried it again — and to my surprise, my cough subsided in two day days. The magic of the potion was back!
The Recipe: Simple Yet Powerful
Here’s how you make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- (Optional) 1 spoon of sugar
Method:
- Pour the milk into a pan and bring it to a boil.
- While the milk is boiling, break the egg into a bowl and beat it thoroughly. That rhythmic, musical sound of beating the egg — it brings back so many memories of my grandmother’s kitchen.
- Once the milk is boiled, slowly pour it into the beaten egg while continuing to beat the egg. The key is to pour the hot milk gradually to avoid scrambling the egg.
- Stir continuously. The hot milk partially cooks the egg, making it safe to consume — similar to a half-boiled egg.
- Add a spoon of sugar if you’d like (my mother always does), and stir well.
And that’s it. A wholesome drink with just two ingredients — milk and egg — yet loaded with nourishment and memory.
A Note of Caution
Of course, this drink isn’t for everyone. If you’re allergic to eggs or dairy, please avoid it. But for those who can safely consume it, I truly believe it’s a wonderful addition to your diet every now and then — especially if you’re looking for something natural to boost your stamina or calm a nagging cough.
The version I had recently didn’t have that strong smell I remembered as a child. Maybe it’s because today’s eggs and milk are different from the fresh farm produce we used to get in Kerala. But whatever the reason, it worked — and I’m glad I gave it another try.
In Closing
This potion is more than a recipe. It’s a memory, a remedy, and a symbol of the love and care that once began in the quiet early hours of my grandmother’s kitchen. It helped my grandfather walk miles, sharpen his mind, and even subside my fathers cough. It helped me, and maybe, it can help you too.
So if you’re curious, give it a try. Just once. And let me know what you think.
Thank you for reading — and cheers to the wisdom of our grandparents!