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Holi is known as the festival of colours. It is not just about joyful celebrations and fun activities but is also a time to savour delicious food, particularly desserts, drinks and snacks. During this occasion, one of the popular dishes is thandai, a cool beverage prepared with a blend of nuts and spices that provides a cooling effect and is ideal for warm weather. Without this the celebration is incomplete. Traditional thandai is delicious, but when its special masala blend is utilised in desserts, it can elevate the flavour profile.
Thandai masala is a multipurpose ingredient which balances sweetness, nuttiness, and subtle spice. It is made with almonds, pistachio, fennel, pepper, cardamom, saffron, and rose petals. You may have already started making traditional dishes like gujiya, malpua, etc., but it is the perfect time to experiment with this nutty mixture.
Thandai Kheer
This kheer is a delicious combination of traditional Indian rice pudding and the refreshing flavours of thandai masala. To make this, first soak rice for about 30 mins then boil it with milk until soft and creamy. After that, add sugar and the masala with some saffron strands. For extra aroma, add cardamom powder. Cook and stir frequently until the flavours combine. For visual appeal, serve the kheer cold and top it with raisins, chopped almonds, pistachio, and dried rose petals.
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Thandai Ice Cream & Kulfi
During Holi, the weather is a little warmer. And what better way to combat the heat than homemade kulfi or ice cream? It will be more delicious if they are made incorporating the special thandai masala. First, combine full-fat milk, heavy cream, and sugar with the masala. For ice cream, churn the mixture properly in an ice cream maker. For kulfi, pour the mixture into moulds and freeze until solid. Then garnish them with chopped pistachios or saffron strands before serving.
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Thandai-Flavoured Ladoo Or Barfi
These flavoured laddoos and barfis are the best way to give a unique twist to traditional desserts by infusing the aromatic flavours of the thandai masala. To make the ladoos lightly roast gram flour with ghee until aromatic. Then combine the thandai masala powder, a few tablespoons of milk, and sugar or jaggery powder. Then give them tiny ball shapes and add chopped nuts as a garnish.
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To prepare barfi, add condensed milk and thandai masala to a pan then cook until thickened. Once set, spread them on a tray, cut it into diamond shapes and garnish them with silver varq. These sweet treats are perfect for giving as gifts during Holi.
Thandai Mousse
To prepare this mousse, take a large bowl, then add heavy cream and whip it. Then add a pinch of cardamom powder, condensed milk and masala with the whipped cream. After that, blend them well. Transfer the mixture to a large serving dish or small cups, then refrigerate until it solidifies. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped nuts or dried rose petals. This dessert has a light, airy and silky texture.
Thandai Cakes Or Cupcakes
For making thandai-flavoured cakes or cupcakes, choose your favourite cake recipe. You can add thandai-infused milk or cream in place of the liquid or add the masala directly into the batter. After the mixture is ready, you may scoop out the batter into individual cupcake liners or cake tin and bake it.
For frosting prepare it with butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese and add the thandai masala. Once cooled, garnish your cakes or cupcakes with edible flowers or colourful sprinkles to add visual appeal or the festivities.
