Delicious Thandai Recipe – A Traditional Indian Dessert

Thandai — a indian recipe (desserts) with 11 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

245

Total Time (min)

4

servings

323

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Thandai Recipe – A Traditional Indian Dessert

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup milk (whole or any preferred type)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup almonds (soaked and peeled)
  • 1 cup cashews (soaked and peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (soaked for a few hours)
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare the nuts

    Soak almonds, cashews, and poppy seeds in water for at least 2 hours. Drain and set aside.

    Soaking helps in blending the nuts smoothly.
  2. Blend the mixture

    In a blender, combine soaked nuts, fennel seeds, black pepper, cardamom powder, and sugar. Add water and blend until smooth.

    Add water gradually for the desired consistency.
  3. Combine with milk

    In a large bowl, mix the blended nut paste with milk and remaining water.

    Use chilled milk for a refreshing drink.
  4. Add flavorings

    Stir in rose water and saffron, mixing well until combined.

    Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  5. Chill and serve

    Refrigerate the thandai for at least 1 hour. Serve chilled, garnished with crushed nuts or saffron strands.

    Thandai can be served with ice cubes for extra chill.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free. Diet: Low-Sodium

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your indian meal with these perfect pairings:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Delicious Thandai Recipe – A Traditional Indian Dessert is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 245 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

Indian cuisine reflects the country's incredible diversity, with flavors and techniques varying dramatically from north to south, east to west. The masterful use of spices is the hallmark of Indian cooking.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use coconut or omit nuts for a lighter version.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories150kcal
Total Fat6gg
Sodium50mgmg
Total Carbohydrates22gg
Dietary Fiber2gg
Total Sugars10gg
Protein5gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineIndian
CategoryDesserts