Imagine a tea so mesmerizing that it transforms from ordinary green leaves to a stunning pink elixir that captivates both your eyes and taste buds! Karachi Style Kashmiri Chai is not just a beverage; it's a cultural experience that brings the vibrant streets of Pakistan right into your kitchen. This luxurious pink tea is a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and visual spectacle that will transport you to the bustling markets of Karachi with every sip.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Pakistani
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 tablespoons green tea leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
- Chopped almonds for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add 4 tablespoons of green tea leaves to the pot.
- Stir the tea leaves into the water and let it boil for about 10 minutes. This will help extract the rich color and flavor from the tea leaves.
- After 10 minutes, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the pot. The baking soda will enhance the color of the tea, giving it a deep, rich hue.
- Continue boiling the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You should notice the tea turning a beautiful reddish-brown color.
- Next, reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of milk to the pot. Stir the mixture well to combine the tea and milk.
- Increase the heat back to medium and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Watch closely to prevent it from overflowing.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat again to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and create a creamy texture.
- After simmering, add 1/4 cup of sugar to the pot. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly.
- Using a fine strainer, strain the tea into serving cups to remove the tea leaves and any sediment.
- Garnish each cup of Kashmiri Chai with chopped pistachios and chopped almonds for added texture and flavor.
- Serve the Karachi Style Kashmiri Chai hot and enjoy the rich, creamy, and aromatic experience!
Tips
- Use high-quality green tea leaves for the most authentic flavor and color.
- Be patient during the boiling process - the color transformation is part of the magic!
- The baking soda is crucial for achieving the signature pink hue, so don't skip this ingredient.
- Watch the milk carefully to prevent boiling over, which can create a mess.
- Adjust sugar to your taste, but traditional Kashmiri Chai is typically on the sweeter side.
- Fresh nuts for garnishing can elevate the entire tea-drinking experience.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and temperature.
- Use a fine strainer to ensure a smooth, sediment-free tea.
- Consider using whole milk for a richer, creamier texture.
- Experiment with garnish quantities to find your perfect balance of nuts and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
