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thandai recipe | Rajasthani thandai drink | Homemade thandai Holi and Diwali recipe | how to make thandai powder at home tastes absolutely heavenly, far superior to the readymade mixes available in the market. Learn how to make thandai powder at home.

To make the thandai, combine the saffron and 1 tbsp warm milk in a bowl and keep aside. Boil the milk in a deep non-stick pan or saucepan, add the sugar and mix well. Refrigerate the milk till cold. Keep aside. In a deep bowl, add almonds, cashews, pistachios, watermelon seeds, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cinnamon, poppy seeds, cardamom, rose petals and enough water for atleast an hour. Drain well and do not discard the soaked water. Blend in a mixer using ¾ cup of soaked water till smooth. Combine the cold milk, prepared paste and saffron-milk mixture in a big mixer jar and blend till smooth. Drain using a strainer. Pour equal quantities of the thandai into 6 equal glasses. Serve the thandai chilled garnish with chopped pistachio and saffron strands.

Milk, energised with almonds and spices, Rajasthani thandai drink is the perfect drink to serve on special days and festive occasions like Holi and Diwali.

The aroma of fennel, cardamom, pepper and saffron of how to make thandai powder at home rise atop the dense flavour of fully boiled milk, to pamper the senses and rejuvenate the spirit. A mixture of these spices and nuts when blended, mixed with milk and kept aside for 2 hours blends beautifully with the milk.

You can strain the mixture before serving if you want it smooth, but if you like the coarse mouth-feel of ground almonds and poppy seeds, you can enjoy the Homemade thandai Holi and Diwali recipe as it is without straining. Serve it for parties or special festive occasions.

Tips for thandai. 1. Use of full fat milk is a must to enjoy thick thandai. 2. If you don’t have powdered sugar, grind the table sugar in a mixer and sieve it before use. 3. You can microwave the saffron in a microwave safe bowl for 10 to 15 seconds, crush it and then add it to the drink. This helps to lends a better colour of saffron to the drink.

Is Thandai healthy?

No, thandai is not healthy. Made from full fat milk, sugar, almonds, kalimirchi, fennel seeds and little saffron.

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

Milk and Low Fat Milk : 1 cup of milk provides 70% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of Calcium. Milk promotes strong bones. Milk low in carbs and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels. One cup of Milk gives 10 grams of carbs. Low fat milk has lower fat and the same benefits of milk. 

Almonds (badam) : Almonds are rich in B complex vitamins such as  Vitamin B1, Thiamine , Vitamin B3, Niacin and Folate, Vitamin B9 which plays an important role in the brain development. Almonds balances your cholesterol levels. almonds have a very low glycemic index and good for diabetics. See all 13 super health benefits of almonds. 

What's the problem?

Sugar : Sugar is also called white poison. It is a simple carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. On intake, sugar will cause inflammation of the body which will last for many hours. It will spike your blood sugar level and shut down the fat burning process. To live a healthy life, try and cut sugar which from your diet. It requires a slow and deliberate attempt to do it. Find hidden sugar in packaged foods and drinks and stop having those products. Did you know that a can of your favourite soft drink is estimated to have 1/2 cup of sugar. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Thandai?

No, thandai does not works for them. Diabetics, Cardiac and weight loss individuals need low fat milk and no sugar.

Can healthy individuals have Thandai?

This recipe is very high in calories of which sugar is pure junk and should be almost removed from your diet. Yes, cut sugar to lead a healthier life. So i say find something healthier to drink. If you still want to drink Thandai, then follow our recipe as its far superior in quality than market bought. 

What is the option to Thandai?

Tulsi Tea

Sorry, but we are health freaks at tarladalal. Go with tulsi tea with ZERO sugar and yet has a sweet taste. 9 calories for tulsi tea against 340 calories for a glass of Thandia. 

Thandai is high in

1. Protein : Protein is required for the managing the wear and tear of all cells of the body. 

2. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) : Vitamin B2 enables the production of red blood cells that contribute to the rise in your energy levels. So have more milk, curds, eggs and green leafy vegetables. 

3. Phosphorous : Phosphorous works closely with calcium to build bones. 

4. Calcium : Calcium  is a mineral that makes bones stay strong. Required from kids to adults.

Note : a recipe is deemed high in a Vitamin or mineral if it meets 20% and above the recommended daily allowance based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

How to burn 384 calories that come from one glass of Thandai?

Walking (6 kmph) = 1 hr 55 mins

Running (11 kmph) = 38 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) = 51 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) = 66 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.