Sugar-Free Thandai | Diabetic-Friendly Holi Drink
If I asked you about the best things during Holi, you would surely mention thandai. The name "thandai" is derived from "thanda," which means "cool" in English. Thandai is very popular during festivals like Holi and Mahashivaratri. It is usually made using a mixture of milk, sugar, and a variety of nuts, seeds, and spices. We made this recipe using Diabexy sugar because refined sugar (which is generally used) can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It is essentially a sugar-free recipe, but you will not notice the difference because the taste remains the same and is also very healthy. Thandai is deeply rooted in North India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It is a perfect drink to beat the heat.
The taste of thandai is a delicious blend of creamy, nutty, and spicy flavors. You can enjoy chilled thandai on hot summer days, which provides coolness and feels amazing. Some people make it with cannabis (bhaang) during the Holi festival.
Here, we are sharing a healthy and easy-to-make sugar-free thandai recipe made using nutritious ingredients. It is perfect for those who prioritize their health without compromising on taste.
Thandai Recipe Ingredients
| Almonds | 30g | Black pepper | 6g |
| Cashews | 30g | Rose petals | Few |
| Pistachios | 30g | Saffron strands | Few |
| Watermelon seeds | 20g | Cardamom | 2-3 pods |
| Pumpkin seeds | 20g | Almond Milk | 200ml |
| Poppy seeds | 15g | Diabexy Sugar | 9g |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 20g |
How to Make Thandai at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Masala
Take 30g cashews, 30g almonds, 30g pistachios, 20g watermelon seeds, 20g pumpkin seeds, and a few dried rose petals.
Add 15g poppy seeds, 12 black peppercorns, 20g fennel seeds, 2-3 cardamom pods, and a few saffron strands.
Grind the Masala
Grind all the ingredients in a grinder to make a fine thandai masala powder.
Blend the Thandai
In a blender, take 200ml of almond milk.
Add 2 tbsp of the prepared thandai powder, 9g of Diabexy sugar, and some ice cubes if desired.
Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Serve
Pour the blended thandai into a serving glass.
Garnish with grated coconut, thandai powder, and dried rose petals.
Your sugar-free thandai is ready to be served!
This thandai recipe is very healthy because it is made using nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and almond milk. Also, it avoids refined sugar by using Diabexy sugar, a diabetic-friendly alternative sweetener. The blend of nuts and seeds provides healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, while spices like fennel (saunf) and cardamom (elaichi) add flavor without adding calories. Almond milk is a good source of vitamin E and calcium. Overall, this thandai is a wholesome and refreshing drink that is best for those who are health-conscious or managing their sugar intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This sugar-free version uses Diabexy sugar (sweet fiber) and almond milk instead of regular milk, making it diabetic-friendly and low in glycemic load.
Yes, you can use regular milk. Almond milk is lower in carbs and calories, making it more diabetic-friendly, but regular milk works too.
Store thandai masala powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 months.
Traditionally, bhang is added during Holi. However, please consume responsibly and check local laws before adding any such ingredients.
Yes! This recipe already uses almond milk, making it vegan. Just ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
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