By Ujjainee Roy
February 17, 2024
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Kashmiri Noon Chai, also known as Pink Tea or Sheer Chai, is a traditional beverage, famed for its distinctive pink hue and also for its rich flavor and comforting warmth. Unlike the typical Indian chai, Kashmiri Noon Chai is characterized by its creamy texture, delicate aroma, and subtle blend of spices. The addition of baking soda imparts its signature pink colour during the brewing process. Let's look at the recipe.
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– 2 cups water – 2 cups whole milk – 3-4 teaspoons loose green tea leaves (Kahwa tea leaves are preferred) – 4-5 green cardamom pods – 1 cinnamon stick – 4-5 cloves – 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Sugar to taste – Chopped pistachios and almonds
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In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the loose green tea leaves, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
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Allow the tea to simmer for about 5 minutes, so the spices can infuse in the water. After simmering, add the baking soda to the tea. Add it in small amounts so it doesn't froth.
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Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Keep stirring gently to prevent the milk from curdling. Let the chai simmer for another 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the tea to acquire a creamy texture.
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Once the chai looks done, add sugar to taste and stir until it dissolves completely. Strain the chai using a fine mesh sieve or a tea strainer into cups.
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Garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds and serve hot.
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