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Thandai, step by step on video
See how to grind the thandai masala in pauses, and how long to cook it with the milk.
6:35 · Recipe video · Cooking with Siddhi
Thandai, or sardai, is an Indian cold drink made during Maha Shivaratri and Holi. A homemade thandai masala of almonds, pistachios, cashews, muskmelon seeds, saunf, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, saffron and sugar is cooked briefly into boiled milk, then chilled.
The thandai masala keeps in an airtight container in the fridge, so you can make a fresh glass whenever you like.
Every recipe on Cooking with Siddhi is cooked in my own kitchen before it goes live.
Why you will love this thandai
- Homemade masala: nuts, seeds, spices and saffron.
- Holi special: the classic festive cold drink.
- Make ahead: store the masala in the fridge.
- Rich and fragrant: cardamom, nutmeg and kesar.
Ingredient notes
- Almonds: 1/3 cup, slightly peeled.
- Grind in pauses: grind for a few seconds, mix with a spoon and repeat.
- For 500 ml milk: use 3 tbsp thandai masala. Store the rest.
- Chill: cool to room temperature first, then refrigerate.
Thandai Recipe
Homemade thandai masala of nuts, seeds, spices, saffron and sugar, cooked into boiled milk for a minute, then chilled and garnished with pistachio and kesar.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup almonds, slightly peeled (thandai masala)
- 1/3 cup pistachios (thandai masala)
- 1/3 cup cashews (thandai masala)
- 1/4 cup muskmelon seeds (thandai masala)
- 1/4 cup saunf (fennel seeds) (thandai masala)
- 1 tbsp cardamom seeds (thandai masala)
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper (thandai masala)
- 1¼ cups sugar (thandai masala)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (thandai masala)
- 1/4 tsp saffron (kesar) (thandai masala)
- 500 ml milk
- Pistachio and saffron strands, to garnish
Instructions
- Boil the milk. In a steel utensil, pour the milk and let it come to a boil on a low flame.
- Coarsely grind. Meanwhile, make the masala. In a grinding jar, add the almonds, pistachios, cashews, muskmelon seeds, saunf, cardamom seeds and black pepper and grind them coarsely.
- Grind in pauses. Grind in pauses: grind for a few seconds, remove the lid, mix with a spoon and repeat.
- Grind to a powder. Once you have a coarse mixture, add the sugar, nutmeg and kesar and grind to a powder in the same way.
- Store the masala. The thandai masala is ready. Use it right away, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Add to the milk. Once the milk has boiled, add 3 tbsp thandai masala and stir well.
- Cook. Cook on a medium flame for a minute, stirring continuously. The mixture will thicken, then turn off the flame.
- Chill. Cool it to room temperature first, then refrigerate.
- Serve. Serve the thandai chilled, garnished with pistachio and strands of kesar.
Nutrition Facts
3 servings per recipe
Serving size1 serving (⅓ recipe)
| Nutrient | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 26 g | 33% |
| Saturated Fat 6 g | 30% |
| Cholesterol 17 mg | 6% |
| Sodium 74 mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate 22 g | 8% |
| Dietary Fibre 5 g | 18% |
| Total Sugars 11 g | |
| Protein 14 g | |
| Vitamin A 327 IU | |
| Vitamin C 1 mg | 1% |
| Calcium 262 mg | 20% |
| Iron 2 mg | 11% |
| Potassium 602 mg | 13% |
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Values are approximate and calculated from the ingredients listed. The actual amounts depend on the brands you use and the milk you use.
Recipe by Siddhi Panchal.
Tips for perfect thandai
- Grind the masala in pauses, mixing with a spoon in between.
- Use 3 tbsp thandai masala for 500 ml of milk.
- Cool the thandai to room temperature before refrigerating it.
- Store leftover masala in an airtight container in the fridge.
What to serve with Thandai
Serve thandai chilled for Holi, garnished with pistachio and kesar. For more festive drinks, try my Royal Falooda and Dry Fruit Milkshake.
Thandai FAQs
What is thandai?
Thandai, or sardai, is an Indian cold drink made during Maha Shivaratri and Holi.
How much thandai masala do I use?
3 tbsp for 500 ml of milk.
How do I store thandai masala?
In an airtight container in the fridge.
How do I grind the thandai masala?
Grind for a few seconds, mix with a spoon and repeat, until you get a coarse mixture and then a powder.
How many does this recipe serve?
It serves 3, at about 359 kcal per serving.
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