Who says you have to wait for Holi to savour thandai? Its warming nutty profile with cool notes, hints of cream and strong essences of pepper and saffron make thandai the perfect festive drink and also lend to its profile a wholesomeness which you can savour all summer! Luckily, instant thandai powders that are commercially available cut your prep time in half and you can use them to make thandai at home in minutes!
Needless to say, you can also use these thandai powders to make a number of other things infused with thandai flavours. Instant thandai powders work just like any other flavouring agent, be it chocolate, vanilla or caramel, they can easily be used to make flavoured treats. Try opting for thandai mixes that have minimal additives or zero preservatives and don’t use too much sugar. In fact, some artisanal brands add the goodness of seeds and other ingredients to boost their nutritional value and are a great option. Here are a few ways you can use store-bought thandai at home.
Thandai Pancakes
Start your day with a flavorful twist by incorporating instant thandai powder into your pancake batter! Simply mix the powder with flour, milk, eggs, and a touch of sweetener to create a fragrant and spiced pancake batter. Cook the pancakes until golden brown and serve with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yoghurt. They will have a strong nutty flavour, so you can also use a hint of salted caramel and let its smokiness cut through its taste.
Thandai Overnight Oats
Are you a fan of flavoured overnight oats? Try this thandai-infused overnight oats. Combine rolled oats, milk (or yoghurt), a spoonful of instant thandai powder, and your favourite sweetener in a jar. Layer them if possible and let the mixture sit overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavours to meld together. In the morning, top with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast!
Thandai Spiced Cookies
Add a touch of Indian flair to your cookie jar with thandai spiced cookies. Simply add instant thandai powder to your flavoured cookie dough recipe, along with a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Bake the cookies until golden brown and fragrant, then let them cool before indulging in their irresistible blend of spices and sweetness.
Thandai Spiced Lassi
Instant thandai powder can totally elevate your summer coolers, be it lassi or something cooler. Blend together yoghurt, milk, a spoonful of instant thandai powder, and a touch of sweetener until smooth and frothy. Pour the lassi into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground pistachios or a few saffron strands for an extra touch of elegance. You can also add a pinch of thandai powder to your turmeric milk.
Thandai Smoothie Bowl
Elevate your smoothie game by incorporating instant thandai powder into a vibrant smoothie bowl. Blend together frozen bananas, spinach, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and a generous sprinkle of thandai powder until smooth and creamy. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with granola, sliced fruits, and a drizzle of honey for an energizing breakfast!