Heat the measured milk till it becomes hot. Not boiling.
Add the saffron and allow it to soak in the milk for at least 10 minutes.
SOAKING THE SEMOLINA:
Add semolina, sugar and thandai spice powder in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
Add melted butter, yogurt and the saffron milk. Mix well using a whisk.
Cover with a plate, lid or cling film and allow the mixture to rest for 30 minutes.
KEEP FLOUR MIXTURE READY
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a mixing bowl. Keep it on the side till required.
PREPARE THE CAKE TIN
I have used a loaf tin 9X5 inches. You can use a square or round tin cake.
You can either line it with parchment paper or grease it the way I do.
Take little butter about ½ tsp. Rub the insides and middle of the tin with it.
Add about 1-2 tbsp flour. By moving the tin and tapping it coat the greased tin with the flour. Tap over the sink or on your worktop to remove the excess flour.
PREHEAT THE OVEN
Just when about 5 minutes are left for soaking the semolina, switch on the oven at 180°C. Allow it heat up.
FINAL BATTER PREPARATIONS
After 30 minute soaking time, add the flour mixture to the semolina mixture.
Using a whisk or spoon mix the flour and semolina batter.
Transfer the batter to the prepared tin.
BAKING TIME:
Sprinkle the top with 1tbsp chopped nuts if you want to.
Put the cake batter in the preheated oven to bake for 40-50 minutes at 180°C.
COOL THE THANDAI RAVA CAKE:
Remove the cake from the oven. Insert a toothpick, knife or fork in the middle.
If the cake is done, the toothpick, knife or fork should come out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes.
PREPARE THE SUGAR GLAZE:
Mix water and sugar. Stir till the sugar melts.
REMOVE THE CAKE FROM THE TIN:
Using a spatula, loosen the edges gently.
Cover the cake tin with a plate, wire rack or a wooden board.
Hold cake tin and the plate, wire rack or board with both hands.
Flip it over. The cake tin will be on top. Give a gentle tap.
The cake will come out easily.
Remove the cake tin gently.
GLAZE THE THANDAI RAVA CAKE:
Using a pastry brush, dab the cake with the sugar syrup, the top and sides. Don't add too much glaze. Just enough for it to be moist.
Sprinkle the remaining chopped nuts on top. Add rose petals if you have any.
SERVE:
Slice the cake and serve on its own or with some whipped fresh cream or ice cream.
Notes
Allow the semolina to soak well.
Don't be in a hurry to remove the hot cake from the tin as it will break.
Keep the cake covered to retain the moisture.
Instead of thandai spice powder, can add any flavouring of your choice.
Baking time may vary. It differs from oven to oven.