Thandai Recipe – Spiced Festival Drink with Saffron and Dry Fruits
A Traditional Rajasthani Drink Perfect for Holi and Maha Shivratri
Thandai is a refreshing, aromatic drink originating from Rajasthan, known for its delightful blend of spices, dry fruits, and saffron-infused milk. This festive drink, traditionally served during celebrations like Holi and Maha Shivratri, is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a great way to stay hydrated and energized with its nutritious ingredients. The combination of almonds, cashews, pistachios, and aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper makes this drink a wholesome, flavorful indulgence. Its creamy texture, enhanced by the delicate fragrance of saffron, makes Thandai a beloved choice at any celebration.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful and creamy Thandai drink, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 liter (2% fat milk) |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Saffron strands | 2 strands |
| Ingredients to grind into a fine paste | |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 1/4 cup, blanched & peeled |
| Cashew nuts | 1/4 cup |
| Pistachios | 1/4 cup |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 2 tablespoons |
| Poppy seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 2 teaspoons (8 to 10 cardamoms) |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 10 whole grains |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Instructions
-
Blanch the Almonds:
Start by blanching the almonds to remove their skins. Soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes. Once soaked, peel off the skin and set the almonds aside. This is the first step in making your Thandai base. -
Grind the Dry Fruits and Spices:
Take the blanched almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, and black peppercorns. Place them in a blender. Add 1/4 cup of milk and blend all the ingredients together into a smooth paste. This paste is the heart of your Thandai—a fragrant, spiced mixture that you can store in the refrigerator for later use. -
Prepare the Saffron Milk:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in the remaining milk and add the saffron strands. Heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to boil, and the saffron releases its rich color and aroma. Once the milk starts boiling, add the sugar, stirring continuously to dissolve it completely. -
Simmer with the Thandai Spice Mixture:
Once the sugar has dissolved in the milk, add the prepared Thandai spice mixture into the boiling milk. Stir gently and let the milk simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully. The spices will infuse the milk, making it fragrant and creamy. -
Cool and Refrigerate:
Turn off the heat once the milk has simmered, and allow the Thandai to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the Thandai into a container and refrigerate it for a few hours until chilled. This step is essential as it helps the flavors to develop fully. -
Serve:
Once chilled, your Thandai is ready to be served! Pour it into glasses, garnish with slivers of almonds, pistachios, or a sprinkle of saffron strands, if desired. This rich, flavorful drink is perfect for serving at festivals like Holi or Maha Shivratri, or anytime you want to indulge in a delicious and healthy drink.
Optional Variation – Bhang Thandai:
If you’re celebrating Holi and wish to make a festive, traditional Bhang Thandai, you can add a touch of cannabis-infused paste to your Thandai mixture. This variant of Thandai is enjoyed by many during Holi as part of the celebrations. Ensure you use the right proportions and know your audience when preparing this version!
Serving Tips:
- Serve this drink chilled, especially during the hot summer months or at festive occasions.
- Thandai can be served as a refreshing drink at parties or family gatherings, offering guests a unique taste of Indian tradition.
- You can also refrigerate the Thandai spice mixture (without adding milk) and use it to prepare fresh Thandai drinks on demand.
Why You’ll Love This Thandai
Thandai is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of rich Indian flavors, spices, and culture. The combination of dry fruits and aromatic spices gives it a distinctive taste, while saffron adds a luxurious touch to the drink. The milk makes it rich and creamy, providing a satisfying texture that feels indulgent, yet it’s packed with healthy ingredients that boost your energy. Perfect for festivals or as a party drink, Thandai brings a taste of Rajasthan to your home in just a few simple steps!
Enjoy your Thandai chilled and experience a beautiful blend of flavors that are sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate!
