Kashmiri chai, also known as pink chai, is a traditional tea from the Kashmir Valley in India. It is made with green tea leaves, milk, sugar, and spices. The most common spices used in Kashmiri chai are cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
When the weather outside is chilly and the days are shorter, there's nothing quite like a warm cup of Kashmiri chai to take the edge off. This rich and creamy tea is made with milk, spices, and green tea, and it's the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day.
Here's how to make Kashmiri chai at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups milk
- 4-5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 tablespoons loose black tea leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sugar, or to taste
- A few almond and pistachio pieces, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Take a large saucepan and put 4 cups of water in it.
- Add the green cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks, and let them infuse the water with their aromatic flavors for a few minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the loose black tea leaves. Allow the tea leaves to steep in the water for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, carefully pour in the milk, followed by the baking soda. The addition of baking soda helps to enhance the pink color of the tea.
- To combine all ingredients shake the saucepan gently.
- Bring the mixture to a boil by turning the heat up to medium-high.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer for 15-20 minutes. This prolonged simmering allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and creamy texture.
- Gradually add the sugar, stirring continuously until it dissolves completely.
- Add sugar according to your taste. Remember, Kashmiri Chai is typically on the sweeter side.
- After the simmering time is complete, strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or a tea strainer into individual cups or a teapot. Discard the tea leaves and spices.
Serve the Kashmiri Chai hot and garnish each cup with a generous sprinkling of chopped almonds and pistachios. The nuts add a delightful crunch and lend a touch of visual appeal to the tea.
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How to make Kashmiri chai – the perfect cup every time
Kashmiri chai is a traditional tea from the Kashmir region of India. It is made with black tea, milk, and spices, and has a unique flavor that is different from other types of tea. If you want to make the perfect cup of Kashmiri chai, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, use good-quality black tea. Kashmiri chai is typically made with a type of black tea called Kehwa, which is a special blend of different black teas. If you can't find Kehwa, any good quality black tea will do.
Second, use whole milk for the best flavor. Third, don't add too much water. Kashmiri chai is a strong tea, so you don't need to add a lot of water. Fourth, add the spices according to your taste. Kashmiri chai typically contains cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, but you can add more or less of these spices according to your preference.
To make Kashmiri chai, start by boiling water and milk in a pot. Then, add the tea leaves and spices and let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes. Once the tea has steeped, strain it into a cup and enjoy!
Also Read: Panjiri (A Traditional Indian Sweet) Full Recipe, Ingredients & Benefits
The secrets to making the perfect Kashmiri chai
The key to making a perfect Kashmiri chai is in the spices. The most important spice is cardamom. It should be added early in the brewing process so that its flavor has time to infuse into the tea. Cloves and cinnamon can be added later on, near the end of the brewing time.
Kashmiri chai is traditionally made with whole milk. This gives the tea a rich and creamy flavor. If you are looking for a lighter version, you can substitute it with skimmed milk or even almond milk.
Tips for making the perfect Kashmiri chai
When it comes to tea, there are endless varieties and ways to enjoy it. But if you're looking for something truly unique and special, Kashmiri chai is the way to go. This tea is made with milk, cardamom, and saffron, and has a rich, creamy, absolutely delicious flavor. If you've never tried Kashmiri chai before, here are four tips for making the perfect cup.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest flavor.
- Add a generous amount of cardamom and saffron.
- Don't boil the milk too much, or it will become scorched and bitter.
- Serve Kashmiri chai with some traditional sweets like Baklava or Gulab Jamun.