Kashmiri Chai – The Pink Tea with a Story in Every Sip
Kashmiri Chai, also known as the Pink Tea, is a delightful beverage steeped in tradition and culture. Originating from the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, this tea captivates with its creamy texture and unique rosy hue. Each sip offers a harmonious blend of flavors, balancing sweet and salty notes that evoke warmth and comfort. Perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet moments of indulgence, Kashmiri Chai is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 cups 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp green tea leaves (gunpowder or Kashmiri variety)
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice water
- 1 cup whole milk (chilled)
- 1 tsp crushed cardamom (optional)
- Salt or sugar to taste
- Optional: chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine green tea leaves and baking soda with cold water. Simmer gently over low heat for 40 minutes.
- Whisk the mixture vigorously or pour it back and forth between containers to aerate.
- Slowly add ice water to cool the tea and enhance its color.
- Stir in chilled milk gradually until the tea transforms to a beautiful pink hue.
- Add crushed cardamom if desired, simmering for an additional few minutes.
- Season with salt or sugar according to your taste.
- Pour into cups and garnish with chopped nuts if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg