How to Make the Perfect Pakistani Pink Tea (Kashmiri Chai)

Pakistani pink tea, also known as Kashmiri Chai or Noon Chai, is a delightful and flavorful beverage that has captured the hearts of tea lovers around the world. This recipe will guide you through the process of making this beautiful pink Chai from start to finish.

Ingredients for the Kahwa Concentrate

6 tablespoons Kashmiri tea leaves 2 cups water 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional) 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) 5-6 cardamom pods 1 star anise spice (optional) 1 small cinnamon stick (optional) 2 cups of ice cold water

Ingredients for the Tea

1 cup milk (adjust based on serving size) Sugar to taste (optional) Pistachios and almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Kahwa: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, Kashmiri tea leaves, cardamom pods, and any optional spices (star anise and cinnamon stick). Bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid reduces by half. If desired, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda to make the tea a brighter pink color, although this step is optional. The big reveal almost: Add the ice-cold water gradually. This will cause the tea to turn a beautiful pink color. Simmer and strain: Bring the mixture to a simmer for another 5 minutes. Strain the Kahwa concentrate into a separate container. Store the concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make a cup of tea: When you're ready to enjoy, heat the desired amount of Kahwa concentrate in a saucepan. Add milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Adjust the amount of Kahwa concentrate according to your desired strength. Sweeten to taste: If desired, add sugar to taste. Keep in mind that traditionally this tea is enjoyed slightly salty, so add sugar cautiously. Finishing touches: Strain the tea into cups and garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips and Variations

Patience is key! The longer you simmer the Kahwa concentrate, the deeper the pink color will be. Adjust the amount of spices: Experiment with different amounts of spices according to your preference. Play with garnishes: Try different types of nuts for garnish to add variety to your tea experience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The traditional Kashmiri Chai or Pakistani Pink Tea is both a flavorful and visually stunning beverage. For the best results, be patient during the simmering process to achieve the desired color and taste. You can experiment with the amount of spices and garnishes to cater to individual preferences. Ensure to store the prepared Kahwa concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for continuous enjoyment.

Conclusion: Pakistani pink tea, or Kashmiri Chai, is more than just a drink; it's a cultural experience that deserves the attention of both traditional tea enthusiasts and curious travelers. By following this recipe, you can recreate this exquisite beverage at home and savor its unique flavors and colors.