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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the Tea: Add salt and sugar according to taste. Stir well to fully blend the seasonings.
- Strain: Use a fine sieve to strain the tea into cups, removing the tea leaves and spice solids.
- 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
