Thandai

March 9th, 2009 filed under Beverages
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Thandai is a very refreshing spicy cold drink with aromatic flavors; main ingredients are almond, milk, sugar and some spices. Traditionally thandai is served during the Indian holiday “Holi”. Holi is a celebration of the harvest season.

Recipe will serve 4.

ThandaiIngredients:

  • 1/2 cup almonds (badam)
  • 1 1/2 cup Milk
  • 4 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon whole black pepper (kali mirch)
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf)
  • 2 tablespoon poppy seeds (khuskhus)
  • 4 green cardamom (ilatchi)
  • 2 tablespoons rosewater
  • 2 cup water, adjust as needed

Method:

  1. Soak almonds in water for at least 6 hours. Peel off the almond’s skin.
  2. Grind black pepper, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, and cardamom.
  3. Using a blender, blend the almonds into a paste. Add just enough water to let the almond blend into a paste.
  4. In the same blender add the grinded spices and about ½ cup of water with almond paste. Blend until creamy.
  5. Add 1 cup of water and sugar blend until sugar dissolve.
  6. Strain the mix through the fine strainer or cheesecloth.
  7. Return the left over ground paste to the blender with rest of the water.
  8. Blend again and extract the liquid once more.
  9. Discard remaining ground mash.
  10. Mix the almond liquid, milk, and rose water.
  11. Thandai is ready serve over the crush ice.
  12. Garnish with rose peddle!

40 Responses to “Thandai”

  1. Swetha says:

    Hai Manjula.

    Is that mandatory to use rose water,can we skip that?

    Thanks and Regards.
    Swetha

  2. RASHI SHARMA says:

    HELLO,
    MANJULA ANTY, CAN WE USE THINLY SLICED OR CRUSHED PISTACHIOS AND SAFFRON THREADS FOR GARNISH..
    I THINK THESE WILL WORK…
    THANX ANTY FOR THESE NICE RECIEPES I’LL TRY IT OUT..

  3. SANGEETHA says:

    Hello Manjula Aunty,

    I have become a fan of your Recipes and the ratios that you suggest are so perfect that am able to make good food atleast on the second attempt if not first :) .

    Have followed so many of your recipes and everyone has relished them. You are a Kitchen Guru…

    Thank you so much. Its really helpful.

    Regards
    Sangeetha

  4. Sonia Kumar says:

    Manjula Aunty ur recipes are great. I have learned a lot. Can you please tell me where can I find poppy seeds?

  5. shital says:

    Dear manjula aunty,

    from many days wish to send comment but always due to some reason,unable to send.

    i tried many recipes of you and it was very successful. you are very special for me.

    god bless you a good health. i really love you.————-shital from south korea

  6. Evelyn says:

    Hi Manjula,

    Thank you for all of your instruction. I love to watch your videos.
    At some point, could you provide a recipe for Indian Chai Tea, please?

  7. Dominique says:

    Manjula, your website has helped me discover a love of Indian food as I can control the heat and spices now that I know some basics and techniques. Tonight I made a feast that included Thandai and it was delicious. I’m a vegan so I didn’t use cow’s milk but almond milk, omitting the whole almonds and leaving everything else the same. I LOVE this drink!

  8. Traci says:

    Where did you get those tiny glass bowls that hold your spice ingredients? They are so cute, and what are they called?
    Thank you for your loving recipes.
    Traci

  9. jass says:

    u r great manjula ji please some more bevreges without mint leavs

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