Kashmiri Spiced Green Tea Recipes

20-MINUTE KASHMIRI CHAI (PINK TEA)

Steps:

• Prepare ice water: Combine room temperature water with 2-3 large ice cubes and set aside.
• Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add water, Kashmiri chai leaves, star anise, green cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon (if using) and bring to a boil.
• Once it comes to a boil, add the baking soda. It'll fizz a little. Allow this mixture to boil over high heat for 5-6 minutes. Occasionally, use a ladle to aerate (scoop and pour back) the tea. You'll notice the froth in the water go from pale green to a deep pink color. If not, add another 1/8 tsp of baking soda. (See Note 2) The water will be greatly reduced, almost evaporated.
• Add the prepared ice water (discard any ice cubes). If you'd like, you can aerate several times to deepen the color. Add the milk, half & half, salt, and sweetener. Allow it to a come to a light boil, then immediately turn off the heat. Do not allow it to boil for too long as it'll start to lose some of its pink color. Taste and adjust salt and sweetener.
• Strain the tea into cups and add crushed almonds and pistachios, as desired.

GREEN TEA SPICED KASHMIRI KAHWA

Steps:

• Boil 3 cups of water along with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves and pour over the tea. Leave to infuse over a very low flame for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, dissolve saffron in a little water by rubbing it gently.
• Strain the tea and add the saffron liquid together with almonds.
• Sweeten if you like and serve hot.