Description
Kashmiri Pink Chai is a traditional tea known for its unique flavor and vibrant pink color, achieved through a special brewing process.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1–2 star anise
- 2 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of whole milk
- Sugar or honey to taste
- Crushed nuts (like pistachios or almonds) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and boil for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The water will turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes.
- Add the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick to the boiling tea. Allow the mixture to boil for another minute.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 20-30 minutes until it reduces to about half its original volume, intensifying the flavor and color.
- Stir in a quarter teaspoon of salt and mix well.
- Add 2 cups of whole milk and increase the heat, bringing the tea to a boil. Stir constantly to avoid burning the milk. As the milk boils, the tea will begin to turn pink.
- Once the chai is a beautiful pink color, remove it from heat. Strain it into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves.
- Sweeten with sugar or honey according to taste. Garnish with crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the unique flavor and comforting warmth of Kashmiri Pink Chai!
Notes
- The pink color is a result of the reaction between the tea leaves and baking soda.
- Allowing the tea to simmer is crucial for developing its rich flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness according to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Boiling and simmering
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg