Thandai Cheesecake in Vermicelli Cups

A wonderful fusion recipe that blends flavors and traditions by combining vermicelli with Thandai cheesecake. While vermicelli is commonly used in various Indian dishes,Thandai is a refreshing and hydrating drink served during religious festivals and occasions. This innovative dessert, though initially challenging, promises to be a delightful addition to any party menu.

Making time : 15 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Serving: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For vermicelli cps:

• 200 grams vermicelli
• 50g condensed milk
• 2 tbsp butter

For Thandai Paste:

• 2 tbsp cashew nuts
• 2 tbsp almond (soaked and skin removed)
• 1 tbsp pistachios
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp green cardamom pods
• 2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp melon seeds
• 3-4 tbsp milk

For Thandai Cheesecake :

• 200g cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 tsp saffron dissolved in 1 tbsp warm milk
• 1/2 cup sugar powder
• 4 tbsp Thandai paste
• 200g whipping cream cold

For garnish:

• Sliced pistachios, rose petals and saffron syrup

Instructions:

Making vermicelli cups:

• Roast vermicelli in butter until golden brown, stirring continuously
• Mix in condensed milk and combine well
• Press the warm vermicelli mixture into silicone cups to form cups
• Refrigerate for 1/2 hour or until set

Making Thandai Cheesecake:

• Blend together all ingredients listed under ‘thandai paste’ with little milk to form a smooth paste.
• Infuse saffron in warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes
• Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and saffron mixture
• Add thandai paste to the cream cheese mixture and mix until well combined
• In a separate bowl, whip cold whipping cream until stiff peaks form
• Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated
• Fill the chilled vermicelli cups with the thandai cheesecake mixture.
• Garnish with sliced pistachios, rose petals, and a drizzle of saffron syrup
  Serve chilled.

Indian Chef Chhaya Thakker, who has a huge following online on WhatsApp and YouTube will be sharing her favorite recipes and cooking tips with readers of The Times Kuwait. For feedback, you can write to editortimeskuwait@gmail.com