THANDAI CONCENTRATE

 When winter starts to give way to hot weather, this drink cools down the body. Nowadays thandai syrup and powder are easily available in market. But the problem with these is that many of them do not taste good as they use artificial flavorings. Summer is already here and all we crave for in this scorching heat is some refreshing summer cool drinks.  Thandai is common in North India where it is consumed during summers to beat the heat. Thandai has special significance on the festivals such Holi and Shivratri. Apart from Holi, you can enjoy a glass of Thandai at any time of the year. Thandai is a very refreshing drink prepared with nuts, spices and sugar. It can be prepared with milk or water or fruit juice. It is a traditional Indian drink for the summer season, packed with nuts spices and infused with the aromatics like saffron and rose. Goodness of thandai lies in the healthy ingredients that are used in it. This is the reason I decided to make concentrated thandai syrup. It does not require too much of effort. We can make syrup in bulk and store it in bottles. Whenever we want to drink thandai, just add chilled milk to a small amount of syrup, and thandai will be ready. 

Health Benefits of Thandai according to health experts: (from Google)

* It is an excellent energy booster especially during the summer season

* Watermelon seeds are one of the best sources of energy, protein and iron.

* Peppercorn is considered as the king of spices, it has medicinal properties as it has piperine in it. It is also loaded with many minerals like manganese, zinc, calcium, iron and vitamin A.

* Almonds are loaded with healthy fats. It is also a rich source of vitamin E and are known for their antioxidant effects.

* It contains saffron, which is an amazing source of anti-oxidative and anti-depressant properties.

* The rose petals in the thandai also keep you cool and calm.

* The poppy seeds in the health drink aids in releasing gastrointestinal irritation and helps you get rid of constipation.

* Fennel seeds or saunf has anti-inflammatory properties which cures flatulence, gas and bloating in the body.

*  The pistachios in thandai also assist in hemoglobin production, as it is a source of Vitamin B 6 content.

We have for you a tried and tested thandai concentrate recipe that you can easily store for 3 – 6 months and use in a million creative ways to flavor Indian desserts.

INGREDIENTS :

1-1/2 Cups Sugar

1 Cup water or as required

3 tablespoons Almonds (Badam)

1 tablespoon Cashewnuts (Kaju )

1 tablespoon Pistachio (Pista)

2 tablespoon Melon Seeds (Magaj)

1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (Khus khus)

1 tablespoon Black Pepper corns( Kali Mirch)

1 tablespoon Fennel seeds (Saunf)

4-6 Green Cardamoms (Elaichi)

2 tablespoon Rose preserve (Gulkand)

1/2 teaspoon strands of saffron soaked in 1 tablespoon water

Few drops Rose Syrup

METHOD :

STEP 1 - In a big mixing bowl soak almonds, cashews, pista, poppy seeds with sufficient water for almost 5-6 hours.

STEP 2 - In another bowl, soak fennel seeds, peppercorns, melon seeds and green cardamom for 1 hour. (see notes )

STEP 3 - After the said time for soaking, add all ingredients in the blender jar with the water itself. Add gulkand in it.

STRP 4 - Blend it to make a very fine paste. Do not blend continuous. Keep this paste aside.

STEP 5 - In a sauce pan, add sugar and water and put it on the flame.

STEP 6 - Let it boil and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. We do not need any string consistency.

STEP 7 - Add the nuts paste in the sugar syrup and mix well.

STEP 8 - Cook on medium flame with continuous stirring.

STEP 9 - Add soaked  saffron in it and give it a nice mix.

STEP 10 - Cook the mixture for 10-12 minutes untill the mixture is little thick.

STEP 11 - Finally, add few drops of rose syrup and switch off the flame.

STEP 12 - Let the mixture cool completely.

STEP 13 -  Pour it in a clean sterilized glass bottle and store it.

STEP 14 - Refrigerate it for upto 1-2 months. If you want to store it longer see notes.(see notes )

For Making Thandai : ( for  1 glass)-

STEP 1 - In a serving glass, add 1-2 tablespoon thandai concentrate.

STEP 2 - Add chilled milk and give it a nice mix.

STEP 3 - Garnish with some rose petals, chopped pista and few saffron strands and serve chilled.

NOTES : * Soaking nuts before blending avoid wastage and gives a nice smooth texture to you drink.

*  You can soak all ingredients together

* Poppy seeds is the key ingredient for this recipe. 

* Almonds and pistachios are important ingredient but you can add some cashews too.

* If you don't prefer warming spice you can completely skip peppercorns.

* Gulkand, Rose Petals, Fennel Seeds cools down the body.

* You can also, add a pinch of citric acid/sodium benzoate for longer shelf life.

 * You can filter Thandai concentrate using a muslin cloth or strainer. I like to store the concentrate without sieving.