Thandai Recipe: Thandai is a beverage commonly prepared during the prominent Hindu festivals of Holi and Mahashivratri. During these festivities, it’s not uncommon to find a special variation known as bhang Thandai, which includes cannabis. On a spiritual journey through North India, particularly in Banaras and Rishikesh, we had the opportunity to taste this unique variant of Thandai.
Table of Contents
About Thandai Recipe
Thandai is a traditional Indian drink often associated with festivals like Mahashivratri& Holi. It’s made with a blend of nuts, seeds, spices, and saffron, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Easy Thandai Recipe for Mahashivratri
Ingredients:
- 50g Almonds
- 50g Cashew
- 25g Pistachios
- 100g Melon seeds
- 100g Saunf (Fennel seeds)
- 25g Black pepper
- 25g Poppy seeds
- 25g Cardamom
- 1 Nutmeg
- 1 gram of kesar (Saffron)
- 250g Khadi Sugar
- 25g Dried rose petals
- 100g Thandai mix per 1 liter chilled milk
Instructions:
How to make Thandai (Stepwise Photos)
Prepare this delightful Thandai for Mahashivratri and offer it as a bhog to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. This divine drink holds the essence of tradition and spirituality, elevating your festive celebrations.
Prepare the ingredients for the Thandai recipe: Start by gathering all the required ingredients in appropriate quantities.
Blanching Nuts: Blanch almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Remove their skins and let them dry.
Grinding Spices: In a grinder, add blanched almonds, cashews, pistachios, melon seeds, saunf, black pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, kesar, khadi sugar, and dried rose petals. Grind them into a fine powder.
Mixing Thandai Recipe Powder: Combine the ground mixture thoroughly. This forms the Thandai powder mix.
Preparing Thandai Drink: To make Thandai, mix 100g of Thandai powder with 1 liter of chilled milk. Stir well until the powder is completely dissolved.
Serving: Serve the prepared Thandai cold. Optionally, garnish with a few strands of saffron or chopped nuts for an enhanced presentation.
Enjoy: Indulge in the rich flavors of Thandai and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri with reverence and joy.
Prepare this sacred offering and immerse yourself in the blessings of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Har Har Mahadev!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugar: 10-15 grams
- Sodium: 50-100 mg
FAQ
- How long does Thandai last in the fridge? Thandai can typically last for about 2 to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- What is the shelf life of Thandai? The shelf life of thandai is generally short, usually lasting for up to 3 days when refrigerated. It is best consumed fresh.
- What is the right time to drink Thandai? Thandai is traditionally consumed during festivals like Holi and Mahashivratri, but it can be enjoyed at any time, especially during hot summer days, as a refreshing drink.
- Why is black pepper added to Thandai? Black pepper is added to thandai for its flavor and slight heat, which complements the other spices and enhances the overall taste of the drink.
- What is the origin of Thandai? Thandai originated in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in North India, and is believed to have been consumed for centuries, especially during religious and cultural celebrations.
- What are the effects of Thandai? Thandai is known for its cooling properties and is often consumed to beat the heat during hot weather. It can also have mild intoxicating effects due to the presence of ingredients like bhang (cannabis) in traditional recipes.
- What are some fun facts about Thandai? Thandai is often associated with the festival of Holi, where it is consumed as a traditional drink. It is also believed to have originated as a nutritious beverage enjoyed by Rajasthani royals.
- Is Thandai hot or cold? Thandai is typically served cold and is best enjoyed chilled, especially during the hot summer months.
- Is Thandai good for acidity? Thandai contains cooling ingredients like milk, nuts, and spices, which may help soothe acidity for some individuals, but it can vary depending on personal tolerance and sensitivity to certain ingredients.
- Is Thandai good in the summer? Yes, thandai is particularly popular during the summer months, as it is refreshing and helps cool down the body.
- Is Thandai good for pregnancy? It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming thandai or any other food or beverage during pregnancy to ensure it is safe for both the mother and baby.
- What is the nutritional value of Thandai? Thandai is nutritious as it contains ingredients like milk, nuts, and spices, providing essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
- What is the difference between Thandai and Bhang? Thandai is a traditional Indian drink made with milk, nuts, and spices, while bhang is a cannabis-infused drink often consumed during festivals like Holi.
- Can we drink Thandai at night? Thandai can be consumed at any time of the day, including at night, but it is best enjoyed chilled as a refreshing beverage.
- What is the use of Mishrambu Thandai? Mishrambu Thandai is a variation of thandai that includes a mix of various ingredients such as almonds, cashews, saffron, and cardamom, providing a rich and flavorful drinking experience.
- Is Thandai allowed to fast? Thandai may or may not be allowed during fasting, depending on individual preferences and dietary restrictions. It is best to consult with religious or dietary guidelines to determine if they align with fasting requirements.