Thandai Recipe: Refreshing Drink for Festive Celebrations
As the warmth of spring approaches, there's nothing quite like indulging in the festive flavors of Thandai. This beloved drink, synonymous with joy and celebration, has a secret ingredient that elevates its taste to a whole new level – Thandai Masala Powder. Today, we're going to dive into the art of making this flavorful blend at home, step by step.
Discovering the Heart of Thandai:
Thandai, a refreshing drink, owes its delightful taste to a blend of aromatic spices and nuts. The magic lies in the Thandai Masala Powder, a carefully crafted mixture that turns this drink into a sensory delight.
Ingredients:
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Fennel Seeds: 2 tablespoons
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Cardamom Seeds: 1 tablespoon
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Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
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Melon Seeds: 1 tablespoon
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Poppy Seeds: 1 tablespoon
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Almonds: 15-20, blanched
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Cashews: 15-20, blanched
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Pistachios: 10-15, blanched
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Rose Petals: 1 tablespoon
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Saffron Strands: a pinch
Method:
1. Blanch the Nuts:
Start by blanching almonds, cashews, and pistachios. This involves soaking the nuts in hot water to loosen their skins. Once blanched, peel off the skin and set aside.
2. Roast the Spices:
In a pan over low heat, roast fennel seeds, cardamom seeds, black peppercorns, melon seeds, and poppy seeds until they release their fragrance. Be careful not to burn them, as it can alter the flavor.
3. Grind to Perfection:
Combine the roasted spices with the blanched nuts, rose petals, and a pinch of saffron strands. Grind them into a fine powder using a blender or a spice grinder.
4. Store in an Airtight Container:
Transfer the freshly ground Thandai Masala Powder into an airtight container. This helps preserve the flavors, allowing you to enjoy the taste of spring whenever you wish.
5. Creating Thandai Blend:
Now that you have the secret Thandai Masala Powder, let's turn it into the perfect Thandai mixture.
Ingredients for Thandai:
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Milk: 2 cups
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Sugar: 1/4 cup (adjust to taste)
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Thandai Masala Powder: 2 teaspoons
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Ice Cubes: for serving
Method:
1. Prepare Thandai Base: In a saucepan, heat milk until it simmers. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
2. Infuse with Thandai Masala: Add 2 teaspoons of the freshly prepared Thandai Masala Powder to infuse the flavors. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Strain and Chill: Strain the Thandai to remove any remaining spices. Allow it to cool and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
4. Serve Chilled: When ready to serve, pour the chilled Thandai over ice cubes. Garnish with a sprinkle of Thandai Masala Powder and rose petals for an extra touch of elegance.
