Description
Indulge in the creamy delight of Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea), a traditional beverage that warms both body and soul. This aromatic tea is not just a drink; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors, captivating aromas, and a stunning pink hue that will impress your guests. The unique brewing process involves green tea leaves and spices, which come together to create a comforting beverage perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed during cozy afternoons or festive celebrations, this delightful chai is sure to elevate your tea time. Gather your ingredients and embark on a journey to master this exquisite drink that connects you to Kashmiri culture!
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1–2 Star anise
- 2 Cardamom pods (crushed)
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 cups Whole milk
- Sugar or honey to taste
- Crushed nuts (almonds or pistachios) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a saucepan. Add green tea and boil for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in baking soda, observing the water change to deep red and boil for another 2 minutes.
- Add star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick; boil for an additional minute.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the mixture reduces by half.
- Stir in salt, then add whole milk gradually while increasing heat until boiling—stir constantly to achieve the pink color.
- Strain into cups to remove spices and tea leaves.
- Sweeten with sugar or honey as desired and garnish with crushed nuts if using.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk. Experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor variation.