PINK TEA
Delve into the rich heritage of South Asia with Pink Tea known as kashmiri chai, a beloved beverage known for its stunning color and creamy texture.Pink tea holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially during weddings (shaadi), family gatherings, and festive occasions. It is often served to guests as a gesture of hospitality. This delightful tea combines the earthy flavors of Kashmiri green tea leaves with aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon. The addition of baking soda creates its signature pink hue, while a touch of milk rounds out the experience. Garnished with crushed almonds and pistachios, each cup is a celebration of warmth and hospitality. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, Kashmiri Pink Tea is not just a drink, it's a cherished tradition. Experience the magic today!
- 1 liter water
- 4 tablespoons Kashmiri green tea leaves
- 2 star anise
- 6 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 4 cinnamon -inch stick
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water with 6-7 ice cubes
- 1 liter whole milk (or a combination of ½ liter whole milk and ½ liter evaporated milk)
- Sugar or salt to taste
- Crushed almonds
- Crushed pistachios
- - Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- - Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the Kashmiri tea leaves.
- - Allow the mixture to simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes.
- - After the liquid has reduced, stir in the baking soda. The mixture will fizz; this is normal.
- - Add the salt, and bring the mixture back to a boil over high heat.
- - Carefully pour the ice-cold water into the tea liquid while reducing the heat to low. The ice water helps in aerating the tea, enhancing its color and texture.
- - Using a ladle, pour the tea back and forth from a height into the pot. This step is crucial as it helps develop the beautiful pink color. Continue this process for about 10 minutes. If the color is not to your liking, add a pinch more baking soda and continue aerating.
- - In a separate saucepan or kettle, pour in the milk (or the milk and evaporated milk mixture) and bring it to a boil.
- - Add sugar or salt to taste while the milk is heating.
- - Once the tea has reached a deep pink color, pour the prepared milk into the tea. Adjust the amount of milk according to your desired color and consistency of the tea.
- - Allow the mixture to boil gently for a minute, then turn off the heat immediately. Be careful not to overboil, as this can cause the pink color to fade.
- - Pour the pink tea into cups and garnish with crushed almonds and pistachios.
- - Offer additional sugar or salt on the side for guests to adjust to their taste.
Opt for authentic Kashmiri green tea leaves, as they have a unique flavor and are essential for achieving the proper color.
Start with high heat to bring the water to a boil, but reduce it to medium or low once you add the tea leaves. This helps prevent bitterness.
Allow the tea to simmer until it reduces by half. This concentrated infusion is key to developing a rich flavor.
Add baking soda carefully; too much can alter the flavor. A half teaspoon is usually sufficient to achieve the desired pink color.
When aerating the tea, pour it back and forth from a ladle from a height. This not only helps develop the pink color but also adds air to the tea, enhancing its texture.
Using ice-cold water helps in the aeration process. It cools down the temperature quickly, which is crucial for color development.
For a creamier texture, you can use a combination of whole milk and evaporated milk. Adjust the milk quantity based on your desired creaminess and color.
Taste the tea after mixing in the milk to determine how much sugar or salt to add. This ensures the flavors are balanced.
Once you combine the tea and milk, avoid boiling for too long. Overboiling can cause the pink color to fade.
Don’t forget to garnish with crushed almonds, pistachios, or even a sprinkle of cardamom for extra flavor and texture. These add a lovely crunch and enhance the presentation.
Kashmiri Pink Tea is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving to maintain flavor.