Thandai- HOLI HAI !!!!!

 Holi is amongst the most popular festivals c celebrated in India during summer period. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu saved his devotee Prahlad, who was put in a fire by his Aunt 'Holika' in an attempt to kill him. She had a special gift that fire would not harm her. But Lord Vishnu ensured that Prahlad remained unharmed whereas the demon Holika herself died in the Fire. In order to signify victory of good over evil people celebrate this festival . Holi Festival means vibrancy of color, music and delicious food and drink which are particularly sweet in taste. After applying color to family members, friend and well wishers, people enjoy the delicacies which add to the happiness of the environment. 

                                                                                                                                                
Ingredients:
1 liter Full cream milk
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 tbsp Poppy seeds
1 cup Water
6 tsp dried Watermelon seeds
1/2 tbsp Saunf (Fennel seeds)
15 Almonds, blanched
8 Pistachios
10-12 Peppercorns
1 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder
Few rose petals (fresh)
Few strands of Saffron
Crushed ice
 
Method:
Soak almonds and poppy seeds in 2 tbsp water or milk in the previous night or minimum for 8 hours.
Heat milk in a pan and after it boils once, switch off the flame and add sugar. Stir well so that sugar melts in. Add saffron strands and keep aside.
Peel off the skin of almonds and put these in a blender along with poppy seeds, watermelon seeds, peppercorns, rose petals, pistachios and saunf. Grind till you get a smooth paste. The paste should be very smooth and fine. Add little milk / water in between if you feel it has become too thick. 
Now place a muslin cloth over a big bowl and filter the mixture through this muslin cloth. Press this firmly till the residue becomes dry and husk like. Repeat this process 2-3 times. Now add this extracted liquid to milk and stir well. Add Cardamom powder, stir again and keep this in the fridge. Before serving add crushed ice, chopped almonds and enjoy this refreshing and energetic drink this Holi. Play safe :-). 
For other holi special recipes you can click here- Dahi Vada/ Dahi Bhalla, Gujiya, Malpua

      Sending this Thandai and Gujiya to Gayatri's  first event Walking Through The Memory Lane