Kashmiri Pink Chai (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Sugar or honey, for sweetening to your liking
02 -
2 cups whole milk
03 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
04 -
1 cinnamon stick
05 -
2 cardamom pods, lightly smashed
06 -
1 to 2 whole star anise
07 -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 -
2 tablespoons Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea leaves, or any green tea you prefer
09 -
4 cups water
→ Garnish (Optional)
10 -
Chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds
# How to Make It:
01 -
Top off with some chopped nuts if you want. Sip it hot right away for the best cozy vibes.
02 -
After you've got that perfect pink, take the pot off the heat. Pour the tea through a strainer into cups so you're just left with the good stuff. Add as much sugar or honey as you want.
03 -
Now pour in your milk and turn the heat up again. Stir it the whole time so nothing sticks or burns. You'll watch it turn pink as it boils.
04 -
Sprinkle in your salt and mix it up well to bring out all the other flavors.
05 -
Drop the heat low and let the tea gently simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. By then, it'll be super flavorful and you'll notice it's about half as much liquid as when you started.
06 -
Toss in star anise, the smashed cardamom, and cinnamon now. Let them boil in there for just a minute to flavor things up.
07 -
Mix in the baking soda next. It'll bubble up and change to a deep reddish shade. Keep it boiling for two more minutes—give it a stir here and there.
08 -
Start by boiling 4 cups water in a hefty pan. Throw in your tea leaves and cook it for 5 minutes so it gets that beautiful color and taste.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Keep stirring constantly after adding milk. That way, the color turns even and pretty, plus it helps stop the milk from sticking or burning.