Holi Incomplete Without Thandai
By OLIVIA SARKAR
On Holi a traditional Thandai goes a long way. Pour it into tall earthen glasses, garnish with fruit and nuts, and serve this ambrosial delight that not only tastes great but is also very healthy. In fact, this adaptable beverage can be made in a variety of ways. Here are some Thandai variations to try this Holi season. Your results would be bettered by soaking the nuts and seeds ahead of time.
The Classic Thandai
The classic thandai is an aromatic drink made by mixing several exotic spices and nuts, adding them to a concoction of milk, water and cream and finally straining them to draw a drink that tastes heavenly!
Ingredients:
white poppy seeds
pistachios (unsalted)
melon seeds
peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
fennel seeds
black pepper
milk
sugar
Method:
In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.
Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.
Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.
Add sugar according to your taste.
Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.
Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.
Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.
Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.
Mango Thandai
Do you want to add a creative twist to your Thandai? Try this incredible is rich and delicious, a must-have in the summer. Mango adds a rich, luxurious flavor!
Ingredients:
white poppy seeds
pistachios (unsalted)
melon seeds
peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
fennel seeds
black pepper
milk
sugar
mango pulp
Method:
In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.
Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.
Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.
Add sugar according to your taste.
Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.
Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.
Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.
Add mango pulp according to your taste.
Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.
Badam Kesar Thandai
This Thandai, made with almonds and saffron, is pleasing to both the eyes and the palate. This celebrated drink’s color and flavor make it one of the most sought-after Holi preparations.
Ingredients:
white poppy seeds
pistachios (unsalted)
melon seeds
peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
fennel seeds
black pepper
milk
sugar
saffron
Method:
In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.
Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, saffron to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.
Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.
Add sugar according to your taste.
Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.
Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.
Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.
Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.
Rose Thandai
Rose Thandai is a delectable variation on the traditional Thandai. This drink is so sweet, spicy, and flavorful that you will never be able to stop drinking it. So delectable!
Ingredients:
white poppy seeds
pistachios (unsalted)
melon seeds
peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
fennel seeds
black pepper
milk
sugar
rose petals (dried)
Method:
In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.
Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, rose petals to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.
Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.
Add sugar according to your taste.
Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.
Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.
Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.
Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.
Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.
Add sugar according to your taste.
Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.
Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.
Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.
Add 1 cup of cold or chilled soya milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.
