Kashmiri Pink Chai

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Kashmiri Pink Chai offers a truly unique tea experience with its slightly salty flavor profile and creamy texture. The gentle infusion of spices like cardamom and cinnamon, combined with the pink hue achieved through a special brewing technique, makes each sip both comforting and captivating. This tea is not only a drink but a cultural experience, representing the warmth, tradition, and artistry of Kashmiri tea-making. The addition of crushed pistachios, almonds, and rose petals makes it both a treat for the taste buds and the eyes.

Ingredients

For the Tea:

• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Kashmiri green tea leaves
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups cold water (for shocking)
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt to taste (traditionally about ¼ teaspoon)

For the Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
• 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
• Crushed rose petals (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Tea:

1. In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and baking soda to the boiling water.
3. Boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring vigorously during the process to oxygenate the mixture and help develop a reddish hue.
4. Add 2 cups of cold water to shock the mixture. This will help in developing the characteristic pink color of the tea. Continue to boil for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat and slowly add the milk (and heavy cream if you are using it). Stir continuously as the mixture turns into a soft pink color.
6. Add ground cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Let the tea simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the tea to thicken slightly.
7. Strain the tea into cups.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish the chai with chopped pistachios, chopped almonds, and rose petals, if desired.
2. Serve the tea hot and enjoy the soothing warmth of this beautiful beverage.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: 210 kcal per serving

Variations

• Sweet Version: While traditionally salty, you can add a little sugar or honey for a sweeter version of this chai.
• Spiced Chai: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth and spice.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and skip the heavy cream to make the chai vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Kashmiri Pink Chai is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. What makes Kashmiri Pink Chai unique?

The use of Kashmiri green tea leaves, baking soda, and a cold water shock creates the signature pink color. The salty flavor, combined with milk and cream, is also a distinctive feature of this chai.

2. Can I use any type of green tea leaves?

Traditional Kashmiri Pink Chai uses a specific type of Kashmiri green tea leaves, which are ideal for this recipe. If unavailable, you may use any high-quality green tea, though the flavor may differ slightly.

3. Can I skip the baking soda?

The baking soda is crucial for developing the pink color and the distinct texture of the chai. It is recommended to use it for an authentic Kashmiri experience.

4. How do I get the perfect pink color?

The color comes from a combination of baking soda, boiling the tea leaves for the right amount of time, and shocking the mixture with cold water. Make sure to follow the recipe’s instructions closely for the best color.

5. Can I make this chai without milk or cream?

Yes, you can make the chai without milk or cream, but it will not have the same creamy texture. You can substitute with a non-dairy milk like almond milk for a lighter version.

6. Can I add more spices to the chai?

Yes, you can experiment with additional spices like ginger, cloves, or nutmeg to give your chai more warmth and depth.

7. Can I make this chai iced?

While Kashmiri Pink Chai is traditionally served hot, you can make it iced by chilling it after brewing and serving it over ice. However, the flavor is best enjoyed hot.

8. How long does this chai take to make?

The total time to make this chai is about 35 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

9. Can I use rose water instead of rose petals?

Yes, you can add a few drops of rose water to the chai for a more fragrant finish if fresh rose petals are unavailable.

10. Is Kashmiri Pink Chai a good choice for festive occasions?

Yes, this chai is often served during special occasions or festive gatherings due to its vibrant color and rich, unique flavor.

Conclusion

Kashmiri Pink Chai is more than just a tea; it’s an experience. The creamy, slightly salty chai, infused with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, creates a comforting and flavorful drink perfect for chilly evenings or celebrations. With its signature pink color and garnish of pistachios, almonds, and rose petals, this tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural delight that brings warmth, tradition, and artistry into every cup.

Kashmiri Pink Chai

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Brewing
• Cuisine: Kashmiri
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Kashmiri Pink Chai, or Noon Chai, is a traditional beverage from the Kashmir Valley known for its vibrant pink color, creamy texture, and slightly salty flavor. This chai is brewed with Kashmiri green tea leaves, milk, and spices, then garnished with chopped pistachios, almonds, and rose petals for an indulgent treat.

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Ingredients

4 cups water (for brewing)

2 tablespoons Kashmiri green tea leaves

¼ teaspoon baking soda

2 cups cold water (for shocking)

2 cups whole milk

½ cup heavy cream (optional)

½ teaspoon ground cardamom

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt to taste (traditionally ¼ teaspoon)

2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (for garnish)

1 tablespoon chopped almonds (for garnish)

Crushed rose petals (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and baking soda to the boiling water. Boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring vigorously to oxygenate and develop a reddish hue.
3. Add 2 cups of cold water to shock the mixture and develop the pink color. Boil for another 5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat and slowly add the milk (and heavy cream, if using). Stir continuously until the tea turns pink.
5. Add ground cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Strain the tea into cups and garnish with chopped pistachios, chopped almonds, and crushed rose petals (optional).
7. Serve hot and enjoy this unique, comforting beverage!

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Notes

The use of Kashmiri green tea leaves, baking soda, and the cold water shock process gives this chai its signature pink color.

If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add sugar or honey to taste.

This chai can be made without cream for a lighter version, or with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg