Butter Believe It: Have You Ever Tried The Himalayan Butter Tea?

Imagine sipping into a perfect cup of piping hot tea, while enjoying the magnificent panoramic view of the mountains. How delightful would it be? There is no doubt, that we Indians love our chai, and our affection for it is far from dying soon. Even if you aren't a passionate tea enthusiast, you would be familiar with the simple dark coloured sweetened chai which has captured the taste buds of every Indian. But have you heard of cup of tea mixed with a big blob of butter? If not, then you should surely give it a try. Suja or more commonly known as Butter Tea is a delicacy that hails from the Himalayas. Butter tea has an acquired taste because of the peculiar ingredients involved, but once you develop a taste, there is no looking back. This warm, hearty tea is flavored with yak butter, Himalayan salt and a tad of cream. Many Tibetans enjoy this beverage as a broth or a soup instead of a tea, probably because the drink gets a lovely flavour from the Himalayan salt. Usually, this beverage is more of a necessity than a thing of leisure for the Tibetans. In high altitudes, butter tea works as a nice source of heat as the drink is packed with natural fats that allows them to stay warm. Himalayan nomads are believed to drink upto 40 cups a day to survive the harsh weather. But of course, it is all hearsay. 

You can also enjoy the richness of the tea at your home. Due to its antioxidant properties, it is known to be great for yielding energy and burning fat. So, without further ado, here’s the recipe for the exquisite butter tea.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (preferable)
  • 2 tsp plain black tea leaves or tea bags
  • ¼ tsp Himalayan salt
  • 3 cups of water
  • ½ cup full cream milk

Preparations:

1. In a saucepan bring the water to boil.

2. Add black tea leaves and allow it to simmer for 6-10 mins. Turn off the flame and keep it aside.

3. In a blender add butter, salt, milk and the boiled black tea leaves water.

4. Blend it for 3-4 mins.

5. Pour the mixture into the cup and give it a good stir.

Your flavoursome butter tea is ready.