Thandai

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Thandai came from the Hindi word thanda which means cold. The word thandai means chilled. This beverage is made in India specially during Maha Shivratri and Holi. Its an intoxicating drink made with milk, almonds, fennel seeds, peppercorn, saffron, cardamom, etc. The key ingredient used in this drink is bhang ( cannabis that are made edible). But mostly people substitute it with khus khus (poppy seeds). Thandai is widely popular in northern part of India, especially Rajasthan.

INGREDIENTS

• Milk 300 ml
• Almonds (peeled) 5 to 6
• Cashew Nuts 4 to 5
• Pistachios 5 to 6 (2 for garnishing)
• Poppy seeds 1 tablespoon
• Dried rose petals 1 tablespoon
• Sugar 5 tablespoon (according to taste)
• Saffron 6 to 7 strands
• Fennel seeds 1 tablespoon
• Peppercorns 6 to 7
• Cardamom 4

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1

• Soak poppy seeds, almonds, cashew, pistachios, and rose petals in water overnight. If in hurry you can soak these in Luke warm water at least for two hours. ( NOTE: Poppy seeds takes longer time to get soaked)
• Take the spices fennel seeds, peppercorns, cardamom and heat them slightly.

STEP 2

• Take the soaked nuts, poppy seeds, rose petals and blend them to a smooth paste. ( Peel the almonds before making the paste).
• Take the spices and grind them well.

STEP 3

• Bring milk into boil, make it to half in quantity.
• Keep checking the milk so that it does not stick into the bottom or over flows.
• When the milk thickens add sugar and the paste of cashew, almond, pistachios, poppy seeds and rose petals
• Add the saffron strands and stir well.
• After adding the paste, sugar and saffron strands boil it for a minute or two.
• Add the ground spices then boil it for one more minute and switch off the gas.
• Now let the Thandai cool down completely, and you can put it in refrigerator to get it chilled once it comes to room temperature.
• Pour it in glasses and serve this delicious drink garnished with some chopped pistachios.

NOTE: Cook the Thandai in medium to low flame.

Try the recipe and let us know in the comments section below. We have personalised cooking classes and in case you are interested email us at mauste.indulgence@gmail.com.