Thandai: An Embodiment of Vitality

Maha Shivaratri, otherwise called ‘The Great Night of Shiva,’ is the main occasion in India’s diversity of festivals. This auspicious event of Maha Shivaratri is commemorated with the famous dry fruit and saffron flavoured milk known as Thandai, a customary beverage that is made as a contribution to Lord Shiva. Thandai is a refreshing beverage to beat the burning summer heat! This milk-based energy-drink is prepared from a combination of dry fruits like - Almonds, Melon seeds, Poppy seeds, and enhanced with Pepper, Rose pith, Cardamom, and Fennel seeds. Ultimately, the Saffron infuses a magnificent flavour, taste, and colour to its flawlessness. During Maha Shivratri, the Thandai is brewed and offered to Lord Shiva alongside the flower petals. Traditionally, during this occasion, Thandai was made with milk adding poppy seeds and almonds, yet not with pepper as this is viewed as a hot flavour.

Ingredients:

1. Milk - 1 1/2 litre

2. Water - 1/2 litre

3. Sugar - 1/2 cup

4. Almonds/badam 1/2 cup

5. Poppy seeds/khus-khus - 1/4 cup

6. Melon seeds/magaz - 1/2 cup

7. Fennel seeds/saunf - 1 tsp

8. Black peppercorns/kali mirch - 3/4 tsp

9. Green cardamom/choti elaichi - 4 to 5 nos

10. Saffron strands/kesar- few (to garnish)

11. Rosewater/kewra essence - 1 tsp

Preparation:

• Soak almonds, poppy seeds, and melon seeds in water (in separate cups) for at least 4 hours or overnight.

• Boil milk with water adding sugar adjusted according to the taste though the quantity is given.

• Once the milk is boiled, cool it and then keep it in the fridge until chill.

• Now, blend the soaked ingredients like almonds, poppy reds, and melon seeds along with pepper, cardamom, and fennel seeds into a fine paste adding little water.

• Take an empty jar and place the muslin cloth over it. Now add the blended paste and pour the chill milk over so that the milk is passed through all the different flavours thoroughly.

• The milk to pass through the flavours just collect the corners of the muslin cloths and squeeze it so that the flavoured Thandai is passed through the muslin cloth easily.

• Now refrigerate the Thandai and while serving just pour them in the glass and garnish them with saffron strands. So, the authentic Classic Thandai / Kesar Thandai is ready to relish chilled.

And while you enjoy this recipe, it is imperative to know why Thandai is that unique? The answer is straightforward, it is because of the nutritional value of the Thandai just as Milky Mist’s UHT milk is known for its long shelf life, and its daily dose of nutrition. This Maha Shivaratri, celebrate this delectable beverage with the goodness of Milky Mist’s UHT Milk.