Holi, the festival of colors, is incomplete without a chilled glass of Kesar Thandai! This traditional Indian drink is packed with the goodness of saffron, nuts, and aromatic spices, offering a rich, creamy, and refreshing experience. Perfect for beating the heat, Kesar Thandai is both a treat for the taste buds and a cooling elixir for the body.
Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe to prepare Kesar Thandai at home.
Ingredients
For the Thandai Paste:
- 15 almonds
- 10 cashews
- 10 pistachios
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (khus-khus)
- 2 tablespoons melon seeds (magaz)
- 10-12 black peppercorns (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
- 4 green cardamoms
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon rose water (or dried rose petals, optional)
- 8-10 saffron strands (kesar)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
For the Thandai Drink:
- 4 cups full-cream milk (chilled)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch saffron strands (soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnish (almonds, pistachios)
- Rose petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Thandai Paste
- Soak almonds, cashews, pistachios, poppy seeds, and melon seeds in warm water for 2 hours.
- Drain and peel the almonds.
- Grind the soaked ingredients along with black pepper, fennel seeds, cardamoms, cinnamon, saffron, rose water, and sugar into a smooth paste using a little milk.
Step 2: Make the Thandai
- Boil the milk and let it cool completely. Then, refrigerate it until chilled.
- Mix the prepared thandai paste into the chilled milk and stir well. You can also blend it for a smoother consistency.
- Strain the mixture using a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove any coarse particles.
- Add sugar and saffron-infused milk. Mix well.
- Refrigerate the Thandai for 1-2 hours to let the flavors infuse beautifully.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
- Pour the chilled Thandai into serving glasses.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, saffron strands, and rose petals for an elegant touch.
- Serve immediately and indulge in the rich flavors of this festive drink!
Why You’ll Love This Kesar Thandai
- Rich & Creamy: The blend of nuts and milk creates a velvety texture.
- Aromatic & Flavorful: Infused with cardamom, saffron, and rose, each sip is a delight.
- Perfect for Holi: A festive must-have that keeps you refreshed and energized.
- Cooling Effect: Helps beat the summer heat with its soothing ingredients.
So, this Holi, treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade glass of Kesar Thandai. Celebrate with colors, laughter, and the irresistible taste of this traditional delight!
Happy Holi! 🎨🥤
