Kitchen Basics

THANDAI - HOW TO MAKE THANDAI MASALA AT HOME

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Thandai
 Thandai is a rich and nutritious drink that originates in the northern India. It is enriched with different nuts, dry fruits and some mild spices and  rose petals. One sip of such Thandai and your taste buds goes on a roller coaster with all different tastes swirling and twirling in your mouth.In India Thandai is usually made during the festivities of Holi, but is a nice beverage to have throughout the year.There are many exotic spices that go into the making of this beverage, which makes it a highly nutritious beverage with a cooling effect on the body. This makes Thandai a perfect summer drink.The combination of many spices including peppercorn, fennel, cardamom and exotic dry fruits like almonds, pistachios that are infused with the milk to make it a healthy beverage.
 Thandai
 You can make this Thandai Mix Masala in the comfort of your home and use it anytime that you wish.This fresh, homemade Thandai masala tastes absolutely heavenly, far superior to the readymade mixes available in the market. The aroma of fennel, cardamom, pepper and saffron enhances the dense flavour of fully boiled milk, to pamper the senses and rejuvenate the spirit. You can strain the mixture before serving if you want it smooth, but if you like the coarse mouth-feel of ground almonds and poppy seeds, you can enjoy the drink as it is without straining.
Thandai literally means something that lowers the temperature or cools. Thandai can be served along with breakfast or as a mid morning or evening drink. It is loaded with a lot of health benefits such as :

  • Almonds, fennel and poppy seeds are rich in antioxidants. Poppy seeds or khuskhus,  is a very good source of zinc which helps in strengthening the immune system.
  • Fennel and cardamom helps to ensure a smooth digestion.

  • Milk and almonds are fantastic sources of Calcium, required for healthy bones and teeth.
  • Almonds are considered as brain food as they help in growth and repair of brain cells. Poppy seeds also are very good for brain as they are rich in iron, copper and zinc. Both help in the regulation of neurotransmitters and development of neurons.
Thandai
Recipe Type: Condiment
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Yields: 1 small jar

Ingredients: 
  • 25 Almonds 
  • 20 Cashewnuts 
  • 30 Pistachios 
  • 3 tablespoons Melon seeds
  • 3 tablespoons Poppy seeds 
  • 2 tablespoon fennel seeds
  • a few strands of Saffron 
  • 8-10 Green cardamoms 
  • 20-25 Rose petals 
  • 8-10 Black peppercorns 
Let's learn how to make Thandai masala at home:
  • Heat a pan and add  almonds, pistachios, cashews, pumpkin seeds and  dry roast for 3 to 4 minutes on a low flame. Remove and keep aside in a plate or tray. 
  • In the same pan, add the saffron strands ans stir till the color of the saffron changes to a darker shade. Then remove and keep aside.
  • Once the dry fruits cool, add everything in a dry grinder jar, including rose petals, fennel, black pepper and cardamoms. 
  • Grind to a coarse to fine powder as per taste. I have kept mine a little coarse. 
  • Remove from the grinder and keep in an airtight container or jar
  • Store in the fridge to be used later. if stored in fridge, it can be used upto 1 to 2 months.
 Thandai


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13 comments

  1. Beautiful pics Alaka. A quick question though, where did you get the edible rose petals? -Sreelatha

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    1. Thanks Sreelatha..I had got those from one of my friends

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  2. Holi is just to be coming and this Thandai post is apt for the festival. I do make Thandai but of a simple version.. So this is sure one I will be making.. The masala with all the ingredients sounds soothing and refreshing by itself...wondering..

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  3. Holi is just to be coming and this Thandai post is apt for the festival. I do make Thandai but of a simple version.. So this is sure one I will be making.. The masala with all the ingredients sounds soothing and refreshing by itself...wondering..

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  4. Fantastic 😊 thanks for sharing 😊

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  5. Fantastic 😊 thanks for sharing 😊

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  6. I never knew so far that there is a Masala mix available for this. Thanks for the gorgeous recipe.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Sowmya you liked it ...watch this space for some recipes using this

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  7. I had never heard of thandai before. It sounds amazing! If you want to make a drink with it, how much do you use with a cup of milk and how do you prepare it? I love Indian food and have just scratched the surface in learning how to prepare it at home. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks Rachel..you can add 1 tablespoon of this powder to a cup of milk .I love the fact that you are learning about Indian food and if you need any help you can get in touch with me.

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