Description
Kashmiri Chai, also known as Pink Tea, is a beautifully rich and aromatic drink made with green tea leaves, warm spices, and a touch of creaminess. Its signature pink hue and delicate flavor make it a special treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri green tea leaves (or regular green tea)
- ¼ tsp baking soda (for the pink color)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 green cardamom pods (crushed)
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold water
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional, for richness)
- Chopped pistachios and almonds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add Kashmiri tea leaves, baking soda, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until reduced by half.
- Aerate for the Color: Add 1 cup of cold water and vigorously whisk or pour the mixture back and forth between two cups. This aeration helps develop the signature pink hue. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add Milk and Sweeten: Stir in the milk and sugar. Simmer for 5 more minutes, then add heavy cream for extra richness.
- Serve: Strain the tea into cups and garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a deeper pink color, continue whisking and aerating the tea while simmering.
- For a stronger flavor, let the tea base steep longer before adding milk.
- Can be made vegan by using almond or oat milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 6g