If I asked you about the best things during Holi, you would surely mention thandai. The name "thandai" is derived from "thanda," which means "cool" in English. Thandai is very popular during festivals like Holi and Mahashivaratri. It is usually made using a mixture of milk, sugar, and a variety of nuts, seeds, and spices. We made this recipe using Diabexy sugar because refined sugar (which is generally used) can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It is essentially a sugar-free recipe, but you will not notice the difference because the taste remains the same and is also very healthy. Thandai is deeply rooted in North India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It is a perfect drink to beat the heat.
The taste of thandai is a delicious blend of creamy, nutty, and spicy flavors. You can enjoy chilled thandai on hot summer days, which provides coolness and feels amazing. Some people make it with cannabis (bhaang) during the Holi festival.
Here, we are sharing a healthy and easy-to-make sugar-free thandai recipe made using nutritious ingredients. It is perfect for those who prioritize their health without compromising on taste.
Thandai Recipe Ingredients
|
Ingredients |
Quantity |
Ingredients |
Quantity |
|
Almonds |
30g |
Black pepper |
6g |
|
Cashews |
30g |
Rose petals |
|
|
Pistachios |
30g |
Saffron Strand |
|
|
watermelon seeds |
20g |
Cardamom |
|
|
pumpkin seeds |
20g |
Almond Milk |
200ml |
|
Poppy seeds |
15g |
Diabexy Sugar |
9g |
|
Fennel seeds |
20g |
|
|
How to Make Thandai at Home: Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures
Prepare the Masala
- Take 30g of cashew, 30g of almond, 30g of pistachios, 20g of watermelon seeds, 20g of pumpkin seeds, and a few dried rose petals.
- Add 15g of poppy seeds, 12 black peppercorns, 20g of fennel seeds (saunf), 2-3 cardamom pods, and a few pinches of saffron strands to the bowl.
Grind the Masala
- Grind all the ingredients in a grinder to make a fine masala powder.
Blend the Thandai
- In a blender, take 200ml of almond milk.
- Add 2 tbsp of the prepared thandai powder.
- Add 9g of Diabexy sugar and some ice cubes if desired.
- Blend the mixture until smooth.
Serve
- Pour the blended thandai into a glass.
- Garnish with grated coconut, thandai powder, and dried rose petals.
Enjoy
- Your thandai is ready to be served!
This thandai recipe is very healthy because it is made using nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and almond milk. Also, avoid refined sugar by using Diabexy sugar, a diabetic-friendly alternative sugar sweetener. The blend of nuts and seeds provides healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, while spices like fennel (saunf) and cardamom (Ilaichi) add flavor without adding calories. Almond milk is a good source of vitamin E and calcium. Overall, this thandai is a wholesome and refreshing drink that is best for those who are health-conscious or managing their sugar intake.
