Thandai is a traditional Indian drink that is popularly consumed during the festival of Holi. It is a refreshing beverage made with a blend of nuts, spices, and milk.
Here is a simple recipe for making Thandai at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup pistachios
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the almonds, pistachios, cashews, fennel seeds, and poppy seeds in water for 2-3 hours.
- Drain the water and grind the soaked nuts and spices into a fine paste. You can use a blender or a mortar and pestle.
- In a pan, heat the milk and sugar on medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the milk from burning.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, lower the heat and add the nut and spice paste to the milk. Mix well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the cardamom powder, black pepper powder, and saffron strands to the milk. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the Thandai cool to room temperature.
- Strain the Thandai mixture through a fine sieve to remove any large pieces of nuts or spices.
- Add the rose water to the strained Thandai and mix well.
- Serve chilled with ice cubes, if desired.
Your homemade Thandai is ready to be enjoyed!