Holi, the festival of colours, is not just about vibrant hues and joyous celebrations; it's also a time to indulge in traditional delicacies that bring people together. One such classic drink that marks the spirit of Holi is Thandai, a refreshing beverage packed with nuts, spices, and milk. Learning how to make Thandai at home will add a delightful touch to your festivities.
What will you learn:
- Learn how to make Thandai at home with this easy Holi special Thandai recipe!
- Make a drink packed with nuts, spices, and milk.
- Tips on how to prepare this festive treat effortlessly.
Ingredients Needed for Holi Special Thandai:
Before diving into the how to prepare Thandai process, gather the following ingredients:
For the Thandai Paste:
- Nuts and Seeds: 2 tbsp almonds, 2 tbsp cashews, 2 tbsp pistachios, 1 tbsp melon seeds
- Spices: 1 tbsp fennel seeds, 5–6 green cardamom pods, 1 tsp black peppercorns
- Flavors: 4–5 strands of saffron, 2 tbsp rose petals (dried or fresh)
- Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar (or adjust to taste)
- Water: 2–3 tbsp for blending
For the Milk Base:
- 1 litre of chilled milk (use dairy or plant-based milk, as per your preference)
- 1 tbsp rose water (optional)
Step-by-Step Thandai Recipe:
Step 1: Soak the Nuts and Spices
Soak almonds, cashews, pistachios, melon seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns in water for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight for better results). Soaking softens the ingredients, making them easier to grind into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Grind the Thandai Paste
Using a powerful grinder like the Wipro Elato 1000W Mixer Grinder, blend the soaked ingredients along with cardamom pods, saffron strands, dried rose petals, and sugar. The heavy-duty motor, combined with Deep Flow Breaker (DFB) technology, ensures a fine and consistent paste in minimum time. Add 2–3 tablespoons of water to achieve a smooth texture.
Tip: The stainless-steel jars of the mixer grinder are ideal for blending ingredients like nuts and spices, as they retain freshness and are easy to clean after use.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
To ensure a smooth and silky texture, strain the prepared Thandai paste using a fine mesh or muslin cloth. This step removes any coarse particles, giving you a refined base for the drink.
Step 4: Prepare the Milk Base
In a large bowl, mix the Thandai paste with chilled milk. Stir well to ensure the paste blends evenly with the milk. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can be substituted.
If you’re using the Wipro Vesta Cold Press Slow Juicer, you can extract fresh nut milk easily by using the additional nut milk attachment. This appliance is perfect for making creamy, homemade almond or cashew milk, which pairs beautifully with the Thandai paste.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Once the Thandai is prepared, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow the flavours to meld together. Before serving, give it a good stir, pour it into glasses, and garnish with a sprinkle of crushed nuts, saffron strands, and rose petals.
Tips for Making Perfect Holi Special Thandai:
- Adjust Sweetness: You can modify the quantity of sugar based on your taste. Alternatively, honey or jaggery can be used as natural sweeteners.
- Spice it Up: Increase or reduce black pepper and fennel seeds as per your spice tolerance.
- Customize Flavors: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
- Store the Paste: The Thandai paste can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it convenient for quick preparation during Holi.
Why Choose the Right Kitchen Appliances for Thandai Preparation?
Wipro Elato 1000W Mixer Grinder:
- Powerful 1000W motor that grinds tough ingredients like nuts and spices effortlessly.
- Deep Flow Breaker technology, which minimizes preparation time while delivering smooth results.
- Stainless steel jars in varying sizes (1500ml, 1200ml, and 500ml), suitable for both small and large quantities.
Wipro Vesta Cold Press Slow Juicer:
- Dual feeding chute: For whole fruits and leafy vegetables.
- Cold press technology: Retains maximum nutrition and ensures smooth, creamy extractions.
- Multiutility features: Makes it versatile for juicing, nut milk, and sorbets.
Why Thandai Is the Perfect Holi Beverage?
Thandai is more than just a drink; it's a symbol of the richness and warmth of Indian culture. The cooling effect of milk, combined with the nutrient-packed nuts and aromatic spices, makes it an ideal choice to refresh and re-energize during Holi. Plus, the inclusion of saffron and rose petals adds a festive flair, making it the ultimate celebratory treat.
This Holi, bring home the authentic taste of tradition by learning how to make Thandai effortlessly. With the right ingredients and the support of high-quality kitchen appliances like the Wipro Elato 1000W Mixer Grinder and Wipro Vesta Cold Press Slow Juicer, you can create a flavourful, festive beverage that will leave everyone asking for more.
So, celebrate Holi with a glass of chilled Holi special Thandai, and let its rich flavours and cooling properties add to the joy of the festivities. Cheers to good food, great company, and colourful celebrations!
