Thandai Indian Almond Drink
Cool, creamy, and brimming with the exotic flavors of India, Thandai is a refreshing almond-based drink that's perfect for festive occasions or warm summer days. Blended with soaked nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios, and infused with aromatic spices like fennel seeds, cardamom, and a hint of black pepper, this traditional treat is both indulgent and soothing. A splash of rose water and a touch of saffron lend a luxurious floral note to this silky beverage, while its lightly spiced sweetness makes it utterly irresistible. Serve it chilled over ice cubes and garnished with pistachios for an authentic taste of Indian festivals like Holi. Whether you're looking to wow guests or enjoy a glass on your own, this Thandai Indian Almond Drink is a celebration of taste and culture in every sip.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Milk
- 20 pieces Almonds
- 10 pieces Cashews
- 10 pieces Pistachios
- 2 tablespoons Poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons Fennel seeds
- 4 pieces Cardamom pods
- 8 pieces Black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon Rose water
- 5 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 pinch Saffron strands
- 1 cup Water
- 10 pieces Ice cubes
Instructions
Soak the almonds, cashews, pistachios, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds in 1 cup of water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Peel the soaked almonds by gently pinching the skin off. Discard the skin.
In a blender, combine the soaked nuts, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom pods, and black peppercorns. Blend into a smooth paste using the soaking water as needed.
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
Add the prepared nut and spice paste to the milk and mix well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Stir in the sugar, rose water, and saffron strands. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Turn off the heat and let the thandai cool to room temperature.
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove any coarse particles, leaving a silky, smooth drink.
Refrigerate the thandai for at least 1 hour to chill completely.
Before serving, give the thandai a good stir and pour it over ice cubes in serving glasses. Garnish with a few chopped pistachios or saffron strands if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1265 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.9 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.6 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 443 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.9 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 113.5 g | ||
| Protein | 45.9 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.4 mcg | 62% | |
| Calcium | 1531 mg | 118% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1731 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
