Description
Experience the unique and aromatic flavor of Karachi Style Kashmiri Chai, a traditional pink tea brewed with green Kashmiri tea leaves, cardamom, and baking soda. This tea is simmered slowly to develop its signature rosy color and is enhanced with milk, sugar, and optional crushed pistachios and almonds for a delightful garnish. Perfect as a comforting warm beverage with a distinct cultural flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri tea leaves (green tea leaves)
- â…› tsp baking soda
- 3–4 cardamom pods, slightly crushed
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cold water (for shocking the tea)
- 2 cups full-fat milk
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
Garnish (Optional)
- Crushed pistachios
- Crushed almonds
Instructions
- Boil the Tea Leaves: In a saucepan, combine 3 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri tea leaves, 3–4 slightly crushed cardamom pods, and ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil to start extracting the flavors and color.
- Simmer and Aerate: Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, use a ladle or whisk to scoop the tea and pour it back repeatedly to aerate it, which helps develop its unique flavor and color.
- Shock with Cold Water: Add 1 cup of cold water to the simmering tea. This process, known as shocking, improves the tea’s characteristic pink hue. Continue boiling the tea while stirring to blend everything evenly.
- Add Milk: Pour in 2 cups of full-fat milk and return the tea to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the tea attains a soft pink color indicating it is ready.
- Sweeten: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar or adjust according to your taste. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the finished Kashmiri chai into tea cups to remove the tea leaves and cardamom pods. Garnish with crushed pistachios and almonds as desired, then serve warm for an authentic experience.
Notes
- Use full-fat milk for the richest and creamiest texture.
- The addition of baking soda helps in achieving the pink color, but use carefully as too much can alter the taste.
- The aeration step is essential for the tea’s characteristic flavor and color development.
- Adjust sugar according to preference to balance sweetness.
- Garnishing with nuts is optional but adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
