November 11, 2020

Kashmiri Chai

Benetta Lobo

Kashmiri tea or pink tea, is a traditional tea beverage, originating from the Kashmir Valley. Unlike other teas, Kashmiri Chai is very fragrant and creamy. Traditionally it was prepared with salt only but over the years people have started adding sugar giving it a richer taste.

I enjoy making this Tea as it feels like a Science experiment with all the steps involved in making the Perfect Pink Tea. The Whole spices gives the Tea an aromatic flavour and the condensed milk adds to the creamy texture of the Milk. Kashmiri Chai is a perfect drink for a Winter night. The Crushed and Chopped dry fruits add texture to this beautiful Chai.

You will definitely enjoy making this Tea and once you get the Pink colour, you will definitely be thrilled.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Course Drinks

Cuisine Indian, Indo-Pak, Pakistani

Ingredients

4 cups Water
4 tsp Kashmiri Tea Leaves This is a special Tea leaves mixture easily available at Indian/Pakistani Grocers
1 Star Anise
2 Cinnamon Sticks an inch long
5-6 Green Cardamom (Elaichi) Crushed
2 cups Water Chilled (ice cold)
1 pinch Salt
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Kewra Water Optional
2 cups Milk
1/2 cup Condensed Milk
Sugar According to taste
1 tbsp Almonds (Crushed)
1 tbsp Pistachios (Crushed)

Garnishing

Almonds (Chopped) As required
Pistachios (Chopped) As required

Instructions

Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil
Add the Kashmiri Tea leaves, Star Anise, Cinnamon Sticks and Green Cardamom to the water
Let it boil for about 10 minutes and keep stirring from time to time
Now add a pinch of salt and the Baking soda and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes
Let the mixture boil until it reduces to half its quantity
Now add the Chilled water to the Tea mixture and stir for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture and keep aside
Take 2 cups and and pour the tea from one cup to another. This method is called" Chai Phaitna" in Urdu (Watch video below)
Keep doing it for 5 minutes until all the Kehwa mixture is mixed well
Now bring the mixture to a boil and keep stirring
In another dish Boil the milk and add the condensed milk to it and give it a stir until well dissolved
Also add the Kewra Water at this point
Add the crushed Almonds and Pistachios to the Milk and give it a good stir
Now add the Kehwa tea into the Milk and keep stirring. You will see that the Milk will turn pinkish
Now with the help of a ladle (long handled spoon with a cup shaped bowl) mix the Kashmiri Chai while it is boiling in an elevated direction (Watch video below)
Keep on stirring until the tea gets frothy
Add sugar as desired and mix well
Your Kashmiri Tea is now ready to serve
Garnish with Chopped Almonds and Pistachios and serve hot