Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe

Introduction

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a unique and aromatic tea known for its beautiful pink hue and rich, warming spices. This traditional beverage is perfect for cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons. Its delicate flavors and creamy texture make it a delightful treat for tea lovers.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cold water
• 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup ice water or a few ice cubes
• 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
• 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon dried rose petals (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add green tea leaves and baking soda to a saucepan with cold water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 40 minutes until the liquid reduces and develops a slightly burgundy color.
2. Step 2: Pour in the ice water or add ice cubes. Stir the mixture vigorously for 2–3 minutes to enhance the color and flavor.
3. Step 3: Add crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the saucepan. Let it simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes to infuse the spices.
4. Step 4: Gradually add warm milk to the tea while stirring gently. You will notice the tea turning a soft, inviting pink color.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and sugar if you like. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
6. Step 6: Strain the tea into cups using a fine sieve to remove the tea leaves and spices.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped pistachios, almonds, and dried rose petals if using. Serve hot and enjoy this soothing drink.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, or swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
• For an extra floral note, increase the rose petals or add a few strands of saffron.
• If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, crush the cardamom pods more finely or add a small piece of ginger.

Storage

Store any leftover 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, as it may change the color and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of green tea?

Kashmiri Pink Chai traditionally uses green tea leaves, which give it its distinctive color and flavor. Using black tea will result in a different taste and may not achieve the signature pink hue.

Is the baking soda necessary in this recipe?

Yes, baking soda helps to soften the water and bring out the vibrant pink color when combined with the tea leaves and milk. Omitting it may affect both the color and texture of the chai.

Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a traditional fragrant tea known for its unique pink hue and rich, aromatic flavors from spices and nuts. This soothing beverage blends green tea leaves, baking soda, warm milk, and a mix of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, finished with a garnish of pistachios, almonds, and optional rose petals. Perfect to enjoy hot and embrace the classic taste of Kashmir.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tea Base

• 3 cups cold water
• 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup ice water or a few ice cubes

Dairy

• 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk)

Spices

• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise

Seasonings & Garnish

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
• 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon dried rose petals (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tea Base: Add green tea leaves and baking soda to a saucepan with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 40 minutes until the liquid reduces and attains a slightly burgundy color.
2. Cool and Agitate: Pour in the ice water or add ice cubes to the saucepan. Stir vigorously for 2–3 minutes to help develop the unique texture and color of the tea.
3. Add Spices: Add the crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the saucepan. Let the mixture simmer for another 5–7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in warm milk while stirring gently. You will notice the tea transforming into a soft pink color, characteristic of Kashmiri Pink Chai.
5. Season the Tea: Add salt and sugar according to taste. Stir well to fully blend the seasonings.
6. Strain: Use a fine sieve to strain the tea into cups, removing the tea leaves and spice solids.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish each cup with chopped pistachios, almonds, and optionally dried rose petals. Serve the tea hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

• Use baking soda carefully; it plays a key role in developing the tea’s pink color and creamy texture.
• You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, but whole milk provides the best rich flavor.
• The ice water step is essential to stabilize the color and create the traditional appearance.
• Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference for an authentic taste.
• Garnishing with rose petals is optional but enhances the fragrance and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Kashmiri

Keywords: Kashmiri Pink Chai, Pink Tea, Kashmiri beverage, aromatic tea, spiced milk tea, traditional tea, cardamom tea, rose petal tea