Description
Kashmiri Pink Chai is a traditional, vibrant pink tea flavored with green tea leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, and garnished with chopped pistachios and almonds. This tea offers a unique delicate flavor with a creamy texture and aromatic spices, making it a comforting and visually stunning beverage perfect for gatherings or a cozy day.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups cold water
Milk and Flavorings
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
Instructions
- Boil the Tea: Combine 2 tablespoons of green tea leaves and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda with 2 cups of cold water in a pot. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the tea turns deep burgundy in color, indicating the full extraction of flavor and color.
- Aerate the Tea: Add 1 cup of ice-cold water to the boiling tea mixture. Then whisk the tea vigorously or pour it repeatedly between two containers. This aeration process helps develop the unique pink hue and foamy texture characteristic of Kashmiri Pink Chai.
- Add Milk and Simmer: Return the tea back to the heat, and pour in 2 cups of whole milk. Gently bring it to a simmer while watching carefully as the color transitions to a beautiful soft pink.
- Spice and Sweeten: Stir in 4 crushed cardamom pods, 1 small cinnamon stick, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes to infuse the aromatic spices fully into the tea.
- Strain and Garnish: Strain the tea into cups to remove tea leaves and spices. Finally, garnish each serving with 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios and 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds to add a delightful nutty crunch and an elegant presentation. Serve hot for best enjoyment.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk, but you can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- The baking soda is key to developing the tea’s characteristic pink color and should not be omitted.
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Aerating the tea by pouring it between containers is essential for the texture and color, so don’t skip this step.
- Use fresh spices for better aroma and taste.
- This tea is best enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor and frothiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
Keywords: Kashmiri Pink Chai, Kashmiri Tea, Pink Tea, Spiced Tea, Cardamom Tea, Cinnamon Tea, Traditional Indian Tea, Nut Garnished Tea
