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Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe

Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delicate pink chai from Kashmir weaves magic into each sip, blending aromatic spices with creamy milk. Kashmir’s cherished brew invites you to savor a comforting tea experience that whispers cultural richness and warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup milk

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Garnishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon crushed almonds

Instructions

  1. Heat water in a saucepan and introduce green tea, maintaining a vigorous boil for 5 minutes to extract robust flavors.
  2. Incorporate baking soda, which triggers a dramatic color transformation to deep red. Continue boiling for an additional 2 minutes to develop complex undertones.
  3. Enhance the brewing process by introducing aromatic spices: whole star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and a fragrant cinnamon stick. Simmer for one minute to infuse deep, layered notes.
  4. Reduce heat and allow the liquid to gently simmer for 20-30 minutes, concentrating the essence and deepening the flavor profile while reducing volume by half.
  5. Sprinkle salt to balance the spices, then slowly integrate milk while continuously stirring. Observe the magical transition from deep red to soft pink during this crucial stage.
  6. Carefully strain the chai into delicate serving cups, personalizing sweetness with sugar or honey. For an elegant touch, scatter crushed almonds across the surface.
  7. Present immediately while piping hot, inviting guests to savor the rich, warming Kashmiri tea tradition with its nuanced spice composition.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality green tea leaves for a more robust and authentic flavor profile in your Kashmiri Pink Chai.
  • Continuously stir during milk addition to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use whole milk for richer, more traditional taste that enhances the chai’s luxurious characteristics.
  • Adjust boiling time carefully to achieve the signature blush-pink color without bitter undertones.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Tea
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Kashmiri

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 30 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 0.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg