Description
Discover the enchanting pink hue and delicate flavor of Kashmiri Chai, also known as Pink Tea. This traditional beverage combines green tea leaves, baking soda, and warm milk to create a unique, aromatic drink garnished with pistachios, almonds, or rose petals. Perfect for cozy moments or special occasions, this recipe guides you through making this beautiful brew from scratch.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons green tea leaves (Kashmiri or Chinese green tea)
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 cups ice-cold water
Milk & Flavorings
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2–3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed (optional)
- Salt to taste (or sugar if preferred)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Crushed pistachios
- Crushed almonds
- Dried rose petals
Instructions
- Boil Tea Leaves: In a deep saucepan, combine the green tea leaves, baking soda, and 2 cups of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer Tea: Lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the water reduces by half and takes on a deep burgundy color, indicating concentrated tea.
- Add Ice-Cold Water & Whisk: Pour in 2 cups of ice-cold water and whisk vigorously to aerate the tea, which helps develop its characteristic pink color.
- Add Cardamom & Simmer: Add the crushed cardamom pods if using, and simmer the tea for another 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Strain Tea Concentrate: Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a clean pot, removing solids and impurities.
- Mix in Warm Milk: Slowly pour the warm whole milk into the strained tea while stirring continuously. The tea will develop its signature pink hue at this stage.
- Season & Heat: Add salt (or sugar) according to your taste preference, gently simmer the tea for a few more minutes to combine flavors, then remove from heat.
- Garnish & Serve: Pour the pink tea into cups and garnish with crushed pistachios, almonds, or dried rose petals as desired. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Use baking soda sparingly as it is key to developing the pink color but can affect taste if overused.
- Adding ice-cold water and whisking helps aerate the tea, enhancing its color and smoothness.
- Cardamom pods are optional but add a lovely fragrant note that complements the tea.
- Traditionally, salt is added instead of sugar for an authentic Kashmiri chai experience, but sugar can be used as preferred.
- This tea is best enjoyed fresh and hot; avoid reheating as it may alter the taste and appearance.
- Whole milk contributes to the creamy texture and flavor; for a lighter version, low-fat milk can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
Keywords: Kashmiri chai, pink tea, Kashmiri pink tea recipe, traditional Kashmiri beverage, pink salted tea, Indian tea recipe, aromatic green tea, cardamom tea, festive drink
