Thandai, a traditional Indian drink is a creamy blend of nuts and seeds. Other than the nutty flavour and cooling effect this drink has, it is highly nutritious. This recipe is a variation of the usual thandai as it has the flavour of paan (betel leaves) blended with the other nuts, seeds and spices! An interesting way to incorporate power-packed ingredients into your family’s diet!
Ditch the ready-to-use thandai mixes available in the market as they have artificial additives which put a digestive load on the body. Make this dairy-free, sugar-free, healthful drink at home and enjoy fresh!
Ingredients
- Almonds (badam): 1 cup
- Poppy Seeds (khus-khus): 1 tbsp
- Black pepper powder: 1 tsp
- Melon Seeds: 1 tsp
- Fennel Seeds: 1 tsp
- Warm Water: ½ glass
- Honey: as per taste (optional)
- Paan (betel leaf): 1
- Almond milk: ½ - 1 glass (optional)
Method
- In about half a glass of water warm, soak all the nuts & seeds - badam, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, melon seeds -for about 2-3 hours.If you use water at room temperature, then you can also keep overnight.
- After soaking is complete, pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar to make the thandai paste. If you feel water is more, add it bit by bit so that the paste is made with a thick consistency and doesn't become runny. If you feel water is less, add more water to get desired pasty consistency. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender as the paste should be very fine.
- Add remaining ingredients - paan, honey for sweetening, black pepper powder.
- Blend the mixture to a very fine paste. Transfer to a bowl and keep aside. You can cover and refrigerate if it is not going to be used immediately.
- To prepare Thandai, take about 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. Add chilled water. You can make it 50% almond milk and 50% water if desired. Mix well.
- Sieve the thandai if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate if it is to be consumed later.
Eating guide:
- Food group: Nuts & Seeds
- Nuts are wholefoods high on nutritional content. They are a great source of proteins and healthy, natural fats! A must add to your family’s diet!
- Thandai could be had as a cooling drink or even as a meal replacement at night.
- This is also a yummy way to make your kids have nut & seeds, without any fuss!
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