Servings
6
Ready In:
15 mins
About this Recipe
By: Paromita
Thandai is a refreshing Indian beverage that is usually consumed during the festival of Holi, a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. This drink is made with a combination of nuts, spices, and milk, and is typically served chilled. Thandai is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed by generations of Indians and is an essential part of Holi celebrations.
Thandai is a concoction of various ingredients that provide a unique flavor to the drink. The key ingredients of Thandai include almonds, cashews, pistachios, melon seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom, saffron, and rose petals. All these ingredients are ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with milk, sugar, and ice to make the refreshing beverage.
One of the main reasons why Thandai is so popular is because of its cooling properties. The combination of spices and nuts in the drink helps to cool the body down and refresh the mind. This makes it a perfect drink for the hot summer months in India. The cooling properties of Thandai also make it an ideal drink for people who suffer from heat strokes or heat exhaustion.
Apart from its cooling properties, Thandai also has many health benefits. The nuts and spices used in the drink are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for maintaining good health. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are a rich source of healthy fats, while fennel seeds and black peppercorns aid digestion. Saffron is known for its antioxidant properties, and rose petals are believed to have a calming effect on the mind.
Thandai is not only a delicious drink but also has cultural significance. The drink is an integral part of Holi celebrations and is served to guests during the festival. The drink is believed to have originated in Northern India, and over the years, it has become a popular drink all over the country. In some parts of India, Thandai is also served during weddings and other celebrations.
In conclusion, Thandai is a refreshing drink that has become an essential part of Indian culture. The drink’s cooling properties, health benefits, and cultural significance have made it popular not only in India but also in other parts of the world. Thandai is a must-try drink for anyone who wants to experience the unique flavors of Indian cuisine.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup of almonds
- ¼ cup of cashews
- ¼ cup of pistachios
- ⅛ cup of melon seeds
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- 5-6 teaspoon of cardamom pods
- 1/2 teaspoon of saffron strands
- Few rose petals (dried or fresh)
- Few strands of saffron
- milk
- sugar
- Ice cubes
- Water (as needed)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Soak almonds, cashews, pistachios, and melon seeds and all spices in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
Step 2
Drain the soaked nuts and spices and blend them in a blender until they form a smooth paste. Add water as needed to help blend.
You should get a smooth and thick paste.
Step 3
To make thandai take chilled milk, sugar and paste. Blend. Serve Chilled, add ice cubes as needed.
Step 4
Garnish with extra rose petals, or saffron.