Kashmiri Chai Recipe (Noon Chai)
Kashmiri Chai Recipe, also called Noon Chai, is a warm and comforting drink. It has a soft pink color and salty taste. This tea is very special in Kashmiri culture.
Ingredients
- Kashmiri green tea leaves – 2 teaspoons
- Water – 4 cups
- Baking soda – 1 pinch
- Milk – 1 cup
- Salt – ½ teaspoon or to taste
- Star anise – 1 piece
- Cinnamon stick – 1 small
- Crushed cardamom – 2 pods
- Chopped almonds – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Boil Water and Tea Leaves
- Add water to a saucepan. Add green tea leaves and baking soda. Boil on medium heat for ten minutes.
Whisk the Tea
- Use a wooden spoon to whisk the tea gently. This helps bring out the pink color.
Reduce the Tea
- Let the tea simmer until water reduces by half. Color should turn deep reddish brown.
Add Cold Water
- Add half cup cold water. Boil again. This step helps develop the pink color.
Strain the Tea
- Strain the tea into the same pan. Remove tea leaves completely.
Add Milk
- Add milk slowly to the strained tea. Stir well. The tea should turn soft pink.
Add Spices and Salt
- Add salt, cinnamon, star anise and cardamom. Stir gently and simmer five minutes.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the tea. Adjust salt or milk as needed. Do not add sugar traditionally.
Garnish
- Pour tea into cups. Garnish with chopped almonds on top.
Serve Hot
- Serve Kashmiri Chai hot. Enjoy its creamy texture and soothing warmth.
Notes
- Always use Kashmiri green tea leaves
- Do not skip baking soda
- Whisk well for proper color
- Use whole milk for creaminess
- Keep heat medium, not high