thandai recipe, how to make thandai, mahashivratri drink, thandai recipe ingredients, holi special thandai, festival drink

Traditional Thandai Recipes for Holi and Mahashivratri

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As the vibrant hues of Holi approach and the pious chants of Mahashivratri fill the air, one refreshing beverage holds a special place in Indian celebrations: Thandai. This creamy, festival drink, bursting with nuts, seeds, and spices, is not only delicious but also carries cultural significance. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the festive spirit with these special Thandai recipes.

Holi Special Holi and Mahashivratri

Holi, the festival of colors, is synonymous with joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food and drinks. Thandai adds a unique touch to the merriment with its cool, invigorating taste. Wanna know how to make thandai? Here are two Holi special Thandai recipes to try:

1. Classic Holi Thandai:

This recipe embodies the traditional Thandai experience.

Thandai recipe ingredients:
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup melon seeds
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup fennel seeds
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 10 green cardamoms
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of saffron (optional)
  • 20 rose petals (dried) or 2 tbsp gulkand
  • 4 cups chilled milk
  • Ice cubes (optional)
  • Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
  1. Soak almonds, melon seeds, and poppy seeds in water for at least 4 hours.
  2. Grind the soaked nuts, seeds, fennel seeds, peppercorns, cardamom, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.
  3. Dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup hot milk. Combine this with the ground paste and saffron (if using).
  4. Add the remaining cold milk and mix well. Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  5. Strain the Thandai into serving glasses. Add gulkand or rose petals for extra flavor.
  6. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve chilled with ice cubes (optional).

2. Spiced Mango Thandai:

This twist on the classic recipe adds a vibrant mango twist, perfect for the summery vibes of Holi.

Thandai
Ingredients:
  • All ingredients from the Classic Holi Thandai recipe
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
Instructions:
  • Follow steps 1-3 from the Classic Holi Thandai recipe.
  • Add the chopped mango to the ground paste and blend until smooth.
  • Proceed with steps 4-6 from the Classic Holi Thandai recipe.

Mahashivratri Special Thandai/ Holi and Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, calls for a Thandai with a touch of sattvic ingredients. Here are two Mahashivratri special Thandai recipes:

1. Creamy Coconut Thandai:

This recipe incorporates the richness of coconut, making it a truly indulgent offering.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup melon seeds
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup fennel seeds
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 10 green cardamoms
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of saffron (optional)
  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 4 cups chilled milk
  • Ice cubes (optional)
  • Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
  1. Follow steps 1-3 from the Classic Holi Thandai recipe, adding the grated coconut to the grinding process.
  2. Proceed with steps 4-6 from the Classic Holi Thandai recipe.

2. Flaxseed & Dates Thandai:

This healthy Thandai option incorporates flaxseeds for added nutrients and dates for natural sweetness.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/4 cup melon seeds
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup flaxseeds
  • 1/4 cup fennel seeds
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 10 green cardamoms
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 cup chopped dates
  • Pinch of saffron (optional)
  • 4 cups chilled milk
  • Ice cubes (optional)
  • Chopped nuts for garnish

Conclusion

If you are hosting an event on Mahashivratri or throwing a party on Holi look no further than VINDOOS caterers. Order refreshing thandais and delicious food from VINDOOS and enjoy your event tension-free. For more information visit vindoos.com

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most essential ingredients of a Thandai Recipe?

Nuts like almonds and melon seeds, spices like fennel seeds and cardamom, poppy seeds for creaminess, and a splash of rosewater or saffron for floral aroma.

2. Is Thandai a healthy drink?

While Thandai contains nuts, seeds, and spices with some nutritional value, the sugar content can be high, so best enjoyed in moderation.

3. What is the difference between Bhang Thandai and regular Thandai?

Regular Thandai is a refreshing drink, while Bhang Thandai contains cannabis (bhang) and has intoxicating effects.

4. Why should I consume Thandai in moderation?

The high sugar content can lead to health issues like weight gain and diabetes if consumed excessively.

5. What is thandai made of?

A blend of soaked nuts and seeds, spices like fennel and cardamom, rosewater or saffron, milk, and sugar.

6. Is thandai hot or cold for body?

Thandai is considered cooling for the body, thanks to its ingredients like almonds and rosewater.

7. Can we drink thandai at night?

While there’s no harm in enjoying Thandai at night, some suggest it might be too stimulating for sleep due to the spices.

8. Is thandai and bhang same?

No, Thandai is a non-intoxicating drink, while Bhang Thandai is infused with cannabis and has psychoactive effects.

9. Why do people drink thandai in Holi?

Thandai’s cooling properties and festive flavors make it a refreshing and traditional drink to celebrate Holi.

10. What is the right time to drink thandai?

Thandai is typically enjoyed chilled, making it perfect for hot summer days or during festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri.

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