Thandai

Rang Barse!!!! Now that Holi, the festival of colors is just around the corner, how could we not remember chilled Thandai! Perfect for the season, milk with bunch of spices and nuts. Even if you do not like to play with colors, you will surely enjoy this delicious drink. 

Holi is the celebration of spring. Playing and sprinkling dry colors, colored water of colorful flower petals, symbolizes prosperity is everyone's life.

Here is the list of of ingredients. You could adjust the quantity depending on whats in your pantry. This will make thandai powder which will make 50-60 cups of Thandai. You can store this in airtight container in the refrigerator to use whenever needed.

1 cup Variyari or raw fennel/anise seeds
1 cup Khus khus or poppy seeds
½ cup Magaz seeds or pumpkin seeds
½ cup Elaichi or cardamom
½ cup Kali mirch or black pepper corns
1 cup Badam or unsalted almonds
½ cup Kaju or unsalted cashew
½ cup Pistas or unsalted pistachios

Grind all ingredients to form a powder. Refrigerate or freeze in an airtight container for days.

To make Thandai:

For every 1 cup cold milk add sugar to your taste (around 2 tsp.) and 1 tbsp Thandai powder. Blend well in a blender for around 4-5 minutes. Leave it aside for 5-10 minutes for better taste. This will blend all the flavors well with milk. Strain and serve chilled.
Sprinkle slivered almonds and pistachios.

Here is step-by-step pictorial recipe:

1 cup Variyari or raw fennel/anise seeds.

1 cup Khus khus or poppy seeds.

½ cup magaz seeds or pumpkin seeds.

½ cup elaichi or cardamom

½ cup kali mirch or black pepper corns

1 cup Badam or unsalted almonds

½ cup Kaju or unsalted cashew

½ cup Pistas or unsalted pistachios

Now that you have your ingredients ready, listen to these songs and enjoy!

Few of my favorite Holi songs :)

Holi Rasiya Songs (Click Here)

Grind all ingredients to form a powder. Refrigerate or freeze in an airtight container for days.

Add 1/2 cup dried rose petals to Thandai masala and store in an airtight container.

To serve. For every 1 cup cold milk add sugar to your taste (around 2 tsp.) and 1 tbsp Thandai powder. Blend well in a blender for around 4-5 minutes. Leave it aside for 5-10 minutes for better taste. This will blend all the flavors well with milk. Strain and serve chilled.
Sprinkle slivered almonds and pistachios.

Fill some colorful shot glasses. Just bought these today. They have a colorful base :)

Enjoy some Spicy Thandai Shots with friends!

Happy Holi!!