THADAI

(Almond & Poppy seed Milk Cooler)

Ingredients

For Thadai Masala

Poppy seeds – ½ cup

Whole black peppercorns – 2 tblsp.

Cardamom – 12 – 14 pieces

Dry Rose Petals – 3 tblsp.

Almonds – 15 pieces

Aniseed – 1 tblsp.

Dry sweet melon seeds – 1 tblsp.

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp.

For Thadai

Sugar – 3 tsp.(per glass)

Milk – sufficient amount for each glass

Method

1. Soak the poppy seeds overnight.

2. Soak the almonds for ½ hour before the start of preparation.

3. Grind all the ingredients (except milk and sugar) with a little water to a fine paste. This paste is the Thadai Masalo.

4. For making Thadai, take 1 tblsp. Thadai Masalo and blend it with ¾th glass of chilled milk. Mix well till the colour of the milk changes to light creamish in colour. Strain the mixture and transfer it to another glass. Add 3 tsp. of sugar to the milk and mix well. Serve ice cold.

To serve

Thadai is served chilled and is a very refreshing summer cooler. The proportions of Thadai Masala vary from household to household. Some people like the Thadai to be spicy, whereby the quantity of peppercorns doubles up to 4 tblsp.