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Authentic Kashmiri Chai

Authentic Kashmiri Chai
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Authentic Kashmiri Chai is a traditional pink-hued tea from Kashmir, cherished for its delicate blend of green tea leaves, warming spices, and creamy textures. This comforting beverage offers a unique flavor profile, combining aromatic cardamom, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of salt, all rounded off with milk and optional garnishes like pistachios or almonds. Perfect as a soothing morning or afternoon drink, it delivers warmth and richness that feels like a heartfelt embrace.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

  • 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
  • 4 cups water
  • Pinch of baking soda

Spices

  • 4–5 crushed cardamom pods
  • 1 small piece of cinnamon stick (about 1 inch)
  • Pinch of salt

Other Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond/soy/oat milk for vegan option)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste; honey or jaggery can be substituted)
  • Optional: crushed pistachios or slivered almonds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Tea Base: Rinse 2 tablespoons of green tea leaves under cold water to remove impurities. In a deep saucepan, combine the rinsed tea leaves with 4 cups of water and a pinch of baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir repeatedly for 10-15 minutes, patiently developing the tea’s signature pink color and deep flavor.
  2. Adding Spices: Once the tea has a beautiful pink hue, add crushed cardamom pods, a small cinnamon stick piece, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 5 minutes to fully infuse the warm spice aromas.
  3. Incorporating Milk: Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version), stirring gently. Allow the chai to return to a gentle simmer, but avoid boiling to prevent milk curdling. This step creates the creamy and rich texture characteristic of Kashmiri chai.
  4. Sweetening the Chai: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar, or sweetener of choice, adjusting to taste. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely, balancing sweetness with the spices and tea flavors.
  5. Final Strain and Serve: Strain the chai through a fine sieve into teacups to remove tea leaves and spices. Garnish optionally with crushed pistachios or slivered almonds and a sprinkle of crushed dried rose petals for an elegant, floral touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality green tea leaves for best flavor and color results.
  • Be patient during the simmering stage to develop the signature pink color—it can take 10-15 minutes with consistent stirring.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer after adding milk to avoid curdling and preserve creaminess.
  • Adjust cardamom and cinnamon quantities to customize the spice level according to your preference.
  • Use only a pinch of baking soda to achieve the pink color without altering the taste negatively.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kashmiri chai, pink tea, traditional tea, spiced tea, green tea, Indian chai, warming beverage, creamy tea, vegan chai option

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/authentic-kashmiri-chai/