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Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe

Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a traditional fragrant tea known for its unique pink hue and soothing flavor. Made by boiling green tea with spices and baking soda, then simmered with milk and sweetened, this comforting beverage offers a delightful blend of floral and spicy notes, perfect for warming up any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

  • 4 cups Water
  • 2 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea or other green tea
  • 1/2 tsp Baking soda

Spices

  • 1–2 Star anise
  • 2 Cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Milk & Sweetener

  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • Sugar or honey to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Crushed nuts (e.g. almonds or pistachios)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Tea: Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri green tea, and boil for about 5 minutes to release the tea’s rich flavors.
  2. Add Baking Soda: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda; the liquid will change to a deep red color. Continue boiling for 2 more minutes to deepen the color and enhance the tea’s characteristic hue.
  3. Add Spices: Add 1-2 star anise, 2 crushed cardamom pods, and 1 cinnamon stick to the boiling tea, then boil for another minute to infuse the spices.
  4. Simmer Tea: Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing it to reduce to about half its original volume, concentrating both flavor and color.
  5. Add Salt: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and mix thoroughly to balance the flavors.
  6. Add Milk and Boil: Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and increase the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly to prevent milk from burning. As it boils, the tea will transform to a beautiful pink color.
  7. Strain and Serve: Remove the chai from heat and strain it into cups to remove tea leaves and spices.
  8. Sweeten and Garnish: Sweeten with sugar or honey according to your taste. Optionally, garnish with crushed almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor.
  9. Enjoy: Serve hot and savor the unique flavor and comforting warmth of Kashmiri Pink Chai.

Notes

  • Use Kashmiri green tea or Himalayan green tea for authentic taste and vibrant color.
  • Baking soda is crucial for developing the distinctive pink color; do not skip it.
  • Simmering the tea slowly intensifies the flavors; avoid rushing this step.
  • Adjust sweetness based on preference—honey offers a natural alternative to sugar.
  • Garnishing with nuts adds a traditional touch and slight crunch.
  • Use whole milk to get a rich and creamy chai; low-fat milk will alter the flavor and texture.
  • Store any leftover chai refrigerated and reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kashmiri Pink Chai, Pink Tea, Himalayan Tea, Spiced Tea, Indian Tea, Traditional Beverage, Comforting Tea

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/kashmiri-pink-chai-recipe/