How to Make Kashmiri Chai – Easy Recipe for a Perfect Cup of tea
Kashmiri chai, also known as Noor Mahal chai, is a unique and aromatic tea from the Kashmir region, spanning India and Pakistan. It is well known for its digestive benefits, rich flavor, and distinctive pink hue. However, making the perfect cup of Kashmiri chai is not as simple as brewing regular tea.
Nevertheless, with the right method and a little patience, you can enjoy a truly delightful and flavorful experience. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you prepare a delicious and authentic cup of Kashmiri chai.
Ingredients:
- Kashmiri Green tea leaves: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 4 cups
- Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Milk: 2 cups (you can use whole milk for a richer taste)
- Sugar: to taste (typically 2-4 tablespoons)
- Salt: a pinch (optional)
- Cardamom pods: 2-3, crushed (for flavour)
- Pistachios and almonds: chopped for garnish
- Saffron strands: a few (optional, for garnish and flavour)
Detailed Recipe on How to Make Kashmiri Chai
Preparing the Tea Base:
- Boil Water: Bring 3 to 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add Green Tea Leaves: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri green tea leaves and let them cook for about 4–6 minutes.
- Add Baking Soda: Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda after boiling the tea leaves. This crucial step enhances both the color and flavor of the chai. The baking soda will cause the tea to froth and gradually turn a reddish hue.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the tea will condense, darken in color, and thicken.
- Strain the Tea: Finally, strain the tea into another pot to remove the tea leaves, leaving behind a rich, flavorful base for your Kashmiri chai.
Adding Milk and Flavor:
- Add Milk: Pour 2 cups of milk into the same pot, adjusting the quantity based on how creamy you want your chai to be.
- Add Sugar and Cardamom: Stir in sugar to taste and add crushed cardamom pods for extra flavor. If you're making noon chai, add a pinch of salt.
- Simmer Again: Let it simmer on low heat for another 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Achieving the Pink Color:
- Whisking: Once the chai simmers, whisk it vigorously to aerate the tea. This process helps develop the iconic pink color of Kashmiri chai.
Serving the Chai:
- Garnish: To enhance the flavor, garnish the Kashmiri pink tea with pistachios, almonds, or saffron, and enjoy every sip. Plus, you can order ground almonds and pistachios at a discounted price from Chai Pani.
- Enjoy: Finally, serve hot and savor your delicious Kashmiri chai with traditional snacks or pastries for the perfect experience.
Don't put too much effort into making tea; instead, treat yourself without the hassle! So, why wait to indulge? Order our Kashmiri chai qahwa from Chai Pani today and instantly experience the warmth and rich flavor in just a few minutes!
