Thandai Powder

This is a tasty blend of nuts and spices that is used to make a classic Indian cold drink, Thandai. The nutty blend with a hint of fennel and black pepper along with rose, cardamom, and saffron makes it a unique one. This powder is versatile and can be used in many more recipes than thandai. 

Thandai is an iconic drink of India and is made for festivals like Mahashivaratri or Holi, though it can be made and enjoyed any day. This is a perfect blend of healthy nuts and spices that make this an aromatic and flavor packed one. And nutrition too. Nuts are good in proteins and when you mix it in milk, it makes a satiating drink. This is an energy source giving macro and micronutrients. 

What is this blend made of?

This blend is made with almonds, cashews, pistachio, poppy seeds, melon seeds, rose petals, cardamom, saffron, black pepper, fennel. Almonds and cashews are more frequently used. I love pistachios and their nutrition, so my recipe has pistachios. If you do not have one, you can skip it. With any nuts that are available it is easy to make this blend.  If dried rose petals aren’t available, use a drop of rose essence or syrup while mixing the drink, and that is totally optional. 

Is the recipe easy to make?

This blend is a very easy one to make. Though it is available in stores, it is easier to make at home. Syrups are also available. Personally I feel that syrups do not give the authentic texture and taste. But once you try this blend, there is no going back to syrups or store bought mix. The simplicity along with the aroma and flavors will not let you compromise. With high quality ingredients at home. Making the thandai powder at home is so easy with this recipe. This makes the possibility of enjoying this sweet, spicy, nutty, and aromatic drink at home any time you want. 

What else can this thandai powder be used for?

Like masala milk powder mix, this thandai powder can be a great edible gift. Thandai is enjoyed as a cold drink whereas masala milk is made with a steaming cup of milk. There is more that you could do with this Thandai mix. This blend can also be used to make many desserts, with traditional touch as well as fusion types.

How long can this be stored?

This powder can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 months. I haven’t tested beyond that time, as we use this blend in our recipes often. 

How to make this drink and when can you serve this drink?

Heat a cup milk and when it is about to boil, add about a tablespoon of this mixture and sugar to sweeten. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Chill and serve the drink. Thandai is a cold drink and hence perfect to serve for summer lunch and dinners, or any time of the year if you ask me. Sometimes, this can be a filling drink that quenches thirst too. This is also a crowd pleaser and can be served at parties too.

Is this vegan?

The spice blend is vegan. Though the thandai drink is made with regular milk, plant based milk can be used to make a vegan version of this drink. I personally love it with almond milk or oat milk too as it lends extra nutty flavor.

Troubleshootings…….

When blending the ingredients, the nuts may release oils and become sticky if they are blended for a longer time. Dry roasting the nuts helps to grind them quickly. Keep an eye while processing so that it doesn't  turn into spread/butter. It would be delicious but can’t be used for the drinks. Blitz giving time interval between for the mixture to cool. Add the cardamom, fennel, and black pepper first to the blender followed by nuts so that the spices are powdered too.

I am also linking this to Sundays on Silverado, What's For Dinner, and Happiness is Homemade.

Ingredients

Almonds - 1/2 cup

Cashews - 1/2 cup

Pistachios - 1/3 cup

Fennel - 2 tbsp

Melon seeds - 2 tbsp

Poppy seeds - 2 tbsp

Black pepper - 1/4 tsp

Saffron - 1/8 tsp

Rose petals - 1 to 2 tbsp

Cardamom - 25

Method

Add the spices followed by nuts to the blender/mixer. Blitz and grind to a powder.

Store in airtight container in the fridge.