Thandai

May the Universe paint the canvass of your life with the most beautiful colors and sprinkle peace and joy at every step!  Happy Holi!

Recipe:

Ingredients for paste:

Almonds - 15

Cashews - 15

Poppy seeds (khuskhus) - 1 teaspoon

Fennel seeds - 1 teaspoon

Black peppercorns - 15

Melon seeds - 1 tablespoon

Green cardamom seeds - 1 teaspoon

Other ingredients:

Milk - 6 cups

Sugar - 5-6 teaspoons (or to taste)

Saffron - 1/4 teaspoon

Rose water - 4-5 drops

Pistachio (unsalted) - 1 tablespoon

Rose petals - a few

• Soak the ingredients listed under 'for paste' in a few tablespoons of water for about 4 hours.  Can also soak it overnight. Use just enough water for soaking.
• Warm a tablespoon of milk and soak the saffron strands in it, leaving some for garnishing.
• Heat 6 cups of milk, bring it to a boil and then turn off the heat.  Let it cool.  Add sugar, soaked saffron, rose water, and then refrigerate it until chilled.
• Grind the soaked ingredients into a very fine paste.   Use a few teaspoons of milk if needed.  
• Once the milk is chilled, add the above paste to the milk.  Mix well. I used the blender to blend the drink well.  You have an option to strain the drink with a strainer.  I did not do so as I feel the taste is lot more richer without straining.
• Serve in individual cups, garnish with chopped pistachios, saffron strands and rose petals.  

Enjoy!