Thandai: A Refreshing and Nutritious Indian Summer Drink

 

As the temperatures rise during the summer months in India, people often turn to refreshing and cooling drinks to beat the heat. One such traditional drink is thandai, a milk-based beverage that is flavored with a variety of nuts, seeds, and spices. In this blog post, we will share the best thandai recipe and explore the many health benefits of this delicious and nutritious drink.

Thandai Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 liter milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup cashews

1/4 cup melon seeds

1/4 cup poppy seeds

1/4 cup fennel seeds

1 tsp black peppercorns

1 tsp cardamom powder

1 tsp rose water

Saffron strands (optional)

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Soak almonds, cashews, melon seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Drain the soaked ingredients and grind them to a smooth paste using a blender or mixer.

In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil and reduce the heat to low.

Add the ground paste, sugar, and cardamom powder to the milk and stir well.

Simmer the mixture on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.

Once the mixture has cooled down, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

Add rose water and saffron strands (if using) and stir well.

Chill the thandai in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours.

Serve the thandai in glasses filled with ice cubes.

Health Benefits of Thandai:

Rich in Nutrients: Thandai is a good source of several essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, and vitamins B2 and B12. It also contains healthy fats and antioxidants.

Cooling Effect: The ingredients used in thandai, such as fennel seeds, peppercorns, and rose water, have a cooling effect on the body, which can be particularly beneficial during hot summer months.

Digestive Benefits: Thandai can aid digestion due to the presence of fennel seeds and peppercorns, which have carminative properties that can help relieve gas and bloating.

Boosts Immunity: Thandai contains almonds, which are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that can boost immune function and protect against oxidative stress.

Hydration: Thandai is a refreshing and hydrating drink that can help you stay cool and hydrated during hot weather.

In conclusion, thandai is a delicious and nutritious drink that has been enjoyed in India for centuries. With its rich flavor and many health benefits, it is the perfect summer beverage to beat the heat and nourish your body. Try this easy thandai recipe at home and enjoy the goodness of this refreshing drink.