Thandai Mousse Recipe
Thandai Mousse, a luxurious North Indian-inspired dessert, brings together the fragrant and spicy flavors of traditional Thandai masala in a light, creamy mousse form. This rich dessert is perfect for festive occasions, offering a delightful blend of cardamom, saffron, and other aromatic spices, enveloped in a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or just craving a unique treat, this Thandai Mousse will surely be a showstopper on your dessert table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Thandai Masala | 2 tablespoons |
| Agar Agar (China Grass) | 2 teaspoons |
| Milk | 1 cup (room temperature) |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons (to taste) |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1 cup |
| Lemon Juice | Juice from half a lemon |
| Pistachios | 1 tablespoon (chopped) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 35mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.)
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- This recipe serves 2.
Cuisine
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Instructions
1. Preparing the Agar-Agar Mixture
- Begin by cutting the agar-agar sheet into small pieces. Use a blender to grind it into a coarse powder. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, add milk, the powdered agar agar, and 1/2 cup water. Place the pan over medium heat, stirring continuously to dissolve the agar agar in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally until the agar agar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
2. Sweeten and Flavor
- Once the agar has dissolved, add sugar to the mixture. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the Thandai Masala (a fragrant blend of spices like cardamom, saffron, pepper, and rose petals). Stir well to incorporate the spices into the liquid.
- Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the consistency to thicken.
3. Strain and Cool
- Remove the pan from the heat and set a fine metal strainer over a large bowl. Strain the hot mixture to remove any undissolved pieces of agar agar.
- Once strained, transfer the liquid to a steel bowl and place it in a deep vessel filled with ice cubes. This helps cool the mixture quickly and evenly, preventing the agar from forming lumps.
- Stir the mixture vigorously and continuously while it’s in the ice water bath, until it cools down completely and begins to thicken to a mousse-like consistency (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Whipping the Cream
- While the thandai mixture is cooling, place the heavy whipping cream in a large bowl. Use an electric hand blender or stand mixer to whip the cream at medium speed until it forms soft peaks.
- Once whipped, transfer the cream to the fridge to keep it chilled while you finish preparing the mousse base.
5. Combining the Mixtures
- Once the thandai mixture has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream. Take care not to deflate the cream; use a folding motion to blend the two together smoothly.
- Add the lemon juice and fold again to incorporate. The lemon juice will add a refreshing tang that balances the rich, spicy flavors of the thandai masala.
6. Set and Chill
- Carefully spoon the mousse mixture into individual serving bowls or glasses.
- Refrigerate the mousse for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely and develop a creamy, airy texture.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, garnish each portion of Thandai Mousse with chopped pistachios for an added crunch and a touch of elegance.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this delightful Indian-inspired dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Thandai Mousse is a perfect treat for special occasions such as Holi, Diwali, or any festive gathering. Pair it with a delicious snack like Corn Matar Kachori for a well-rounded festive experience. The lightness of the mousse complements the spicy, savory kachoris beautifully, creating a balanced meal or snack.
This dessert is also a wonderful way to introduce your friends and family to the flavors of Thandai, a traditional Indian drink that’s often enjoyed during celebrations.
Tips and Variations
- Agar-Agar Substitution: If you can’t find agar agar, you can substitute it with gelatin, though the texture may differ slightly. Use 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder in place of the agar agar.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk) and coconut cream instead of regular cream. Also, use agar agar as the gelling agent.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding different spices to your Thandai Masala, such as a hint of nutmeg or mace for an extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Thandai Mousse brings the essence of Indian spices and festive flavors into a light, creamy dessert form. Its delicate sweetness, combined with the subtle tang of lemon and the richness of whipped cream, creates an unforgettable treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or simply indulging in something special, this mousse will elevate your dessert game.
So, roll up your sleeves and indulge in the festive flavors of North India with this decadent and delightful Thandai Mousse!
