Kashmiri Pink Chai (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Tea Base
01 -
4 cups water
02 -
2 tablespoons Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea)
03 -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
→ Spices
04 -
1-2 star anise
05 -
2 cardamom pods, crushed
06 -
1 cinnamon stick
07 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Additions
08 -
2 cups whole milk
09 -
Sugar or honey to taste
10 -
Crushed almonds for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the green tea and boil for about 5 minutes.
02 -
Stir in the baking soda. The liquid will turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes.
03 -
Add star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Boil for another minute.
04 -
Reduce heat and simmer the tea for 20-30 minutes until it reduces to about half its original volume, intensifying both flavor and color.
05 -
Stir in salt and mix well.
06 -
Add whole milk and increase heat, bringing the tea to a boil. Stir constantly to prevent the milk from burning. As the milk boils, the tea will begin to develop its characteristic pink color.
07 -
Once the chai reaches a beautiful pink color, remove from heat. Strain into cups to remove spices and tea leaves.
08 -
Sweeten with sugar or honey according to taste. Garnish with crushed nuts if desired.
09 -
Serve hot and enjoy the unique flavor and comforting warmth of Kashmiri Pink Chai.
# Notes:
01 -
This traditional Kashmiri beverage is known for its distinctive pink color that develops through a unique brewing process involving baking soda and prolonged cooking.