Cup of Kashmiri Pink Chai with creamy froth and vibrant pink color.

Kashmiri Pink Chai – Creamy Delight from the Himalayas

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Why Make This Recipe

Kashmiri Pink Chai is more than just a drink; it is a cultural treasure from the beautiful Himalayas. This creamy delight has a unique flavor that warms the soul and brings comfort. The vibrant pink color and fragrant spices make it a feast for the senses. Making this tea at home lets you enjoy its rich taste while also embracing a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

How to Make Kashmiri Pink Chai

Making Kashmiri Pink Chai is a delightful process that combines simple ingredients and techniques to create a luxurious beverage. Here’s how you can make it step-by-step.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water (Fresh, cold water is essential for the best flavor.)
  • 2 tablespoons Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea (This tea gives the characteristic taste.)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (Changes the pH and brings the traditional pink color.)
  • 1–2 star anise (Adds a sweet, aromatic note.)
  • 2 cardamom pods (Brings warmth and sweetness to the chai.)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (Adds warmth and depth.)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (Enhances overall flavor.)
  • 2 cups whole milk (Provides a creamy texture.)
  • Sugar or honey to taste (Sweeten as desired.)
  • Crushed nuts (Almonds/Pistachios) as needed (Serve as a garnish.)

Directions

  1. Start by boiling 4 cups of fresh water in a pot.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri green tea and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water.
  3. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps to develop the tea’s flavor and color.
  4. After 10 minutes, add 1-2 pieces of star anise, 2 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
  5. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Now, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while stirring the tea.
  7. Simmer for a few more minutes until the mixture turns a beautiful pink color.
  8. Taste and add sugar or honey as desired, stirring well.
  9. Strain the tea into cups and garnish with crushed nuts, if using.

How to Serve Kashmiri Pink Chai

Kashmiri Pink Chai is best served hot, especially during cold weather. You can enjoy it in small cups, adorned with crushed nuts on top for extra flavor and texture. Pair it with some traditional snacks or sweets for a complete experience.

How to Store Kashmiri Pink Chai

If you have any leftovers, you can store Kashmiri Pink Chai in the refrigerator. Keep it in a sealed container for up to 2 days. When you want to reheat it, warm it gently on the stove, adding a little milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.

Tips to Make Kashmiri Pink Chai

  • Make sure your water is fresh and cold for the best taste.
  • Adjust the amount of spices based on your preference. More spices will intensify the flavor.
  • If you prefer a stronger color, you can simmer the tea a bit longer.
  • Using whole milk will give you a creamy and rich chai, but you can also try it with other types of milk if you like.

Variation

You can try different variations of Kashmiri Pink Chai by adding flavors like vanilla or a bit of ginger. Some people also enjoy it with a splash of rose water for an extra aromatic experience.

FAQs

1. Why does Kashmiri Pink Chai turn pink?
The baking soda reacts with the tea, altering its pH level and causing the beautiful pink color to develop.

2. Can I use green tea bags instead of loose tea?
Yes, green tea bags can be used, but they might not give the same depth of flavor as loose Kashmiri tea.

3. Is Kashmiri Pink Chai only enjoyed hot?
While it is traditionally served hot, you can also serve it chilled as a refreshing summer drink.

Cup of Kashmiri Pink Chai with creamy froth and vibrant pink color.

Kashmiri Pink Chai

A creamy, fragrant traditional tea from the Himalayas known for its distinctive pink color and rich flavor, perfect for warming the soul.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beverage, Snack
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the tea base
  • 4 cups water Fresh, cold water is essential for the best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea This tea gives the characteristic taste.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda Changes the pH and brings the traditional pink color.
  • 1-2 pieces star anise Adds a sweet, aromatic note.
  • 2 pods cardamom Brings warmth and sweetness to the chai.
  • 1 stick cinnamon Adds warmth and depth.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor.
For creaminess and sweetness
  • 2 cups whole milk Provides a creamy texture.
  • Sugar or honey Sweeten as desired.
  • Crushed nuts (Almonds/Pistachios) Serve as a garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by boiling 4 cups of fresh water in a pot.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri green tea and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water.
  3. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. After 10 minutes, add 1-2 pieces of star anise, 2 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
  5. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Now, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while stirring the tea.
  7. Simmer for a few more minutes until the mixture turns a beautiful pink color.
  8. Taste and add sugar or honey as desired, stirring well.
  9. Strain the tea into cups and garnish with crushed nuts, if using.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 50mgSugar: 12g

Notes

Serve hot, especially during cold weather. Pair with traditional snacks or sweets for a complete experience. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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