🇮🇳 Indian Cuisine · Drinks

Thandai

Prep

15 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

A festive chilled milk drink blended with almonds, poppy seeds, rose petals, and saffron for Holi celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 400g large prawns
  • 1 cup flattened rice (poha)
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 2 fresh spinach, chopped
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • roasted cashews, for serving
  • 500ml coconut milk
  • 1 tsp red chili powder

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the naan bread and coconut milk in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the mustard seeds and tamarind paste, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 0 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with lemon wedges, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

Tips

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more lemon wedges, but you cannot take it away.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.