Description
A refreshing Indian beverage made with various nuts and spices, ideal for festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 almonds
- 10–12 cashew nuts
- 10–12 raisins (kishmish)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (kali mirch)
- 10–12 green cardamoms (hari elaichi)
- 1 teaspoon white poppy seeds (khus khus) (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
- 1 teaspoon melon seeds (magaz)
- 1 pinch saffron (kesar) (optional)
- 4 cups whole milk (full-fat milk)
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon rose water
Instructions
- Add almonds, cashew nuts, black peppercorns, raisins, green cardamoms, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, melon seeds, and saffron to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add ½ cup of water to the bowl and stir well.
- Cover the bowl with a lid and keep it over the counter for 5-6 hours or overnight.
- Note – If it’s too hot where you live, then soak the ingredients at room temperature for 3-4 hours and then refrigerate them for another 2-3 hours.
- Add soaked ingredients to a blender with the leftover water and blend to make a fine paste.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk if required while blending. Scrape the sides of the blender a few times while blending. Set the paste aside.
- Heat milk in a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- When the milk comes to a boil, stir in the paste that we made earlier, sugar, and rose water.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently.
- Check for sugar and add more if required and cook for another minute.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the milk mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3-4 hours for the flavors to mingle.
- Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, muslin cloth, or a nut milk bag, and discard the leftover pulp.
- Pour the Thandai into serving glasses. Garnish with rose petals and slivered dried nuts. Serve chilled. You can also add a few cubes to each glass.
Notes
- Thandai is best served chilled for optimal flavor and refreshment.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending and Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass