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!