Refreshing Homemade Thandai: Cooling Indian Spiced Milk Drink
17 hours
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About Refreshing Homemade Thandai: Cooling Indian Spiced Milk Drink
Beat the summer heat with this authentic Thandai recipe! This creamy, spiced milk drink is a traditional Indian beverage, especially popular during Holi. The unique blend of nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices creates a flavor profile that's both exotic and refreshing.This recipe guides you through making Thandai from scratch, ensuring a delicious and authentic taste. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply enjoying a cool treat on a hot day. Prepare it ahead and chill for an even more delightful experience.Learn how to easily make this vibrant drink, incorporating the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The detailed instructions and helpful tips below will empower you to create the Thandai of your dreams!
Recipe Time & More
Prep2 hours
Cook15 hours
Total17 hours
Ingredients
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/2 cup Almonds blanched, plus extra sliced for garnish
- 1/4 cup Pistachios plus extra crushed for garnish
- 1/4 cup Cashews
- 1/4 cup Melon Seeds magaz
- 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
Spices
- 2 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 4 Peppercorns black
- 2 tsp Cardamom Powder
Other Ingredients
- 1 pinch Saffron Strands 2-3 for each serving, optional, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup Sugar adjust to taste
- 1.25 ltr Milk full-fat milk recommended
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tsp Rose Petals dried, or a few drops of rose extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak almonds, pistachios, cashews, melon seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, and peppercorns in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Grinding the Ingredients
- Drain the soaked ingredients. Blend the soaked nuts, seeds, and spices into a smooth paste with a little water if needed.
Combining and Infusing
- Add the paste to warm milk in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring continuously, until the mixture is warm (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Add rose petals or rose extract.
- Cover and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Chilling and Serving
- Refrigerate the Thandai for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to chill thoroughly.
- Serve chilled, garnished with sliced almonds, crushed pistachios, and a few saffron strands.
Enjoy!
- Enjoy your delicious and refreshing homemade Thandai!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Thandai
- For a richer flavor, toast the nuts and seeds lightly in a dry pan before soaking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can also use honey or jaggery instead of sugar for a healthier alternative.
- If you don't have rose petals, a few drops of rose extract can be substituted for a similar floral aroma.
- For a smoother Thandai, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before refrigerating.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 227mgFiber: 3gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg
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This looks incredible! I need to try it.
Such a tempting dish! Thank you.
This looks so appealing! Thanks for sharing.