KESHARIYA THANDAI

Thandai is considered as Lord Shiva’s favourite drink, of course Bhang (Cannabis/Hemp)is also be added sometimes , it can make you high. But we consume Thandai without Bhang. Apart from Mahashivratri, Holi festival is also incomplete without Thandai. It is basically milk with specific spices, which are good for health.

Ingredients:
50 gms. Almonds
20 gms. Poppy seeds
25 gms. Melon seeds
20 gms. Fennel seeds
10 gms. Black pepper
5 gms. Dry ginger powder (optional)
0.5 gms. Saffron
100 gms. Gulkand ( rose petal jam)
2 litre full fat milk
200 ml. Cream
Sugar if needed

Method:
1. Soak poppy seeds & roughly crushed almonds in warm water for at least one hour. Then grind it into fine paste.
2. Roughly grind fennel seeds, melon seeds & black pepper.
3. Now add these ground ingredients, prepared paste, gulkand, dry ginger powder in milk & mix well.
4. Refrigerate this for 2-3 hours minimum, so all flavours are infused in milk properly.
5. At the time of serving, add cream & blend with hand blender. Add sugar if needed.
6. Strain with muslin cloth, garnish with saffron strands & serve chilled.

Note:
1. Can skip straining if you wish.
2. For instant use can make powder of all dry ingredients.
3. Can add cashew nuts & pistachio.