Ingredients
- Kashmiri Green Tea Leaves: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 4 cups (plus 1/2 cup cold water)
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Whole Milk: 3 cups
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Green Cardamom Pods: 4, lightly crushed
- Pistachios or Almonds: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: **Prepare the Qahwa (Tea Concentrate):** In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 3 cups of water, Kashmiri green tea leaves, and baking soda. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: **Aerate and Develop Color:** Reduce the heat to medium. Using a ladle, vigorously pour the tea from a height back into the pan for 10-15 minutes, continuously aerating (known as 'phetna'). The liquid will reduce and deepen in color. Add the 1/2 cup of cold water and continue aerating for another 5 minutes until a deep reddish-brown color develops.
- Step 3: **Strain and Combine:** Strain the tea concentrate (qahwa) into another clean saucepan, discarding the tea leaves. Add the whole milk, salt, and the lightly crushed green cardamom pods to the concentrate.
- Step 4: **Simmer and Serve:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, whisking frequently until the chai is hot, creamy, and develops its characteristic pink hue.
- Step 5: **Garnish and Enjoy:** Pour the Kashmiri Pink Chai into serving cups. Garnish generously with chopped pistachios or almonds before serving immediately.
Notes
- Leftover Kashmiri Pink Chai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; give it a good stir before reheating.
- Gently reheat any stored chai over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and help it regain its smooth, creamy texture.
- For an authentic experience, serve your creamy Kashmiri Pink Chai warm with traditional savories like sheermaal, bakarkhani, or even just some light biscuits.
- Don't skimp on the "phetna" (aerating) in Step 2; vigorously pouring the tea from a height for the full time is the secret to developing that beautiful, characteristic deep pink hue and rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sodium: 625mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 11g