Description
Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Chai, is a traditional Kashmiri beverage with a beautiful pink hue, rich aroma, creamy texture, and soothing flavor. This recipe guides you through making authentic Kashmiri pink tea at home, perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Kashmiri or mild green tea
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1–2 star anise
- 2 cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- Sugar or honey to taste
- Crushed almonds or pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a deep saucepan, add the green tea leaves to 4 cups of boiling water. Simmer for 5 minutes to extract flavor.
- Stir in the baking soda. The water will begin to turn reddish-burgundy.
- Add star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and the cinnamon stick. Boil for another minute to infuse the tea.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes to reduce the liquid and deepen the color.
- Stir in the salt for a savory note.
- Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until the color shifts to a light pink hue.
- Add your preferred sweetener. Strain the tea into cups.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds. Serve hot.
Notes
- For Iced Kashmiri Pink Chai: Cool brewed tea completely, refrigerate, and serve over ice. Garnish with nuts or dried rose petals.
- For a creamier chai: Replace part of the milk with cream or evaporated milk.
- For a vegan option: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
- For extra spices: Add cloves or a pinch of nutmeg.
- For a bolder color: Experiment with slightly more baking soda.
- Customize sweetness to your preference; traditionally, it’s slightly salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approx. 150-200 (depending on milk and sweetener)
- Sugar: Variable
- Sodium: Variable
- Fat: Approx. 8-12g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 5-8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Variable
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10-15g
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: Approx. 5-8g
- Cholesterol: Variable