Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe

Introduction

Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Tea, is a unique and aromatic tea with a beautiful pink hue. This traditional Kashmiri recipe combines green tea, spices, and milk to create a comforting and flavorful drink, perfect for chilly afternoons.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea)
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 Star anise
• 4 Cardamom pods (crushed)
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt (or other salt)
• 1 cup Whole milk
• Sugar (or honey) to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and simmer for about 5 minutes to steep the tea.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The water will turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick to the boiling tea. Allow the mixture to boil for another minute.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 20–30 minutes, until it reduces to about half its original volume, intensifying the flavor and color.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and mix well to enhance the flavors.
6. Step 6: Pour in the whole milk and increase the heat, bringing the tea to a low boil. Stir constantly to prevent the milk from burning. The tea will develop a lovely pink color.
7. Step 7: Remove the tea from heat once it reaches the desired pink hue. Add sugar or honey to your teacups, strain the tea into cups, and stir to dissolve the sweetener. Serve hot or pour over ice for a refreshing chilled version.

Tips & Variations

• Use Himalayan pink salt if available for a more authentic flavor.
• Adjust the amount of baking soda carefully to achieve the pink color without altering the taste too much.
• For a richer chai, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for whole milk.
• Try adding a pinch of saffron threads during simmering for an added floral aroma and vibrant color.

Storage

Store any leftover Kashmiri Pink Chai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling again to preserve the delicate flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular green tea instead of Kashmiri green tea?

Yes, you can use any green tea, but Kashmiri green tea is preferred as it provides the authentic flavor and color essential to this recipe.

Why does the tea turn pink?

The pink color develops when baking soda interacts with the tannins in green tea combined with the milk. This chemical reaction creates the signature pink hue of Kashmiri Pink Chai.

Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Tea, is a unique traditional tea known for its beautiful pink hue and rich, aromatic flavor. Made with Kashmiri green tea, aromatic spices like star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon, and a hint of baking soda to develop its signature color, this comforting beverage is perfect for warming up on a cool day or enjoying as an afternoon treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tea and Spices

• 2 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (or other green tea)
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 Star anise
• 4 Cardamom pods (crushed)
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt (or other salt)

Dairy and Sweetener

• 1 cup Whole milk
• Sugar (or honey) to taste

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Instructions

1. Steep the Tea Leaves: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the tea’s distinctive flavors.
2. Add Baking Soda: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda; this will cause the tea water to turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for another 2 minutes to deepen the color.
3. Add Spices: Add the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick to the boiling tea. Let the mixture boil gently for an additional minute to infuse the flavors.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing it to reduce to about half its original volume, intensifying both its flavor and color.
5. Add Salt: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan salt and mix thoroughly to balance the flavors.
6. Pour in Milk: Add whole milk to the tea and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a low boil. Stir constantly to prevent the milk from sticking or burning. The chai should now develop its characteristic pink color.
7. Strain and Serve: Once the tea reaches a lovely pink hue, remove from the heat. Add sugar or honey to your teacups and strain the tea into the cups. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener. Serve hot or pour over ice for a refreshing chilled version, and enjoy the uniquely comforting flavors of Kashmiri Pink Chai!

Notes

• Using baking soda is essential for developing the signature pink color of the chai.
• Simmering the tea slowly allows flavors and colors to develop fully, so don’t rush this step.
• Whole milk provides a richer flavor and creamier texture, but you can substitute with any milk of choice.
• Adjust sweetness to your preference with sugar or honey.
• For a chilled version, let the tea cool and pour over ice cubes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Kashmiri

Keywords: Kashmiri Pink Chai, Noon Tea, Traditional Kashmiri Tea, Pink Tea, Kashmiri Green Tea, Spiced Tea, Indian Tea, Aromatic Tea