Karak Chai

Name: Karak Chai
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 4 tablespoon white sugar; 4 cups hot water; 2 tablespoon loose black tea; 6 pods whole cardamom; 3 whole cloves; pinch saffron threads (like 5-6 threads); 3 slices of whole ginger root, or pinch of ginger powder; 2/3 cup evaporated milk

User Reviews

5.0

72 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings
4 people
Calories
174 kcal
Course
Drinks
Cuisine
Middle Eastern

Karak Chai

Gavin Ward

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Karak Chai, or Karak tea, is the most comforting thick, flavorful caramel colored milky spiced tea thats enjoyed by many in the Gulf Middle Eas, inspired by Indian masala chai.

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Ingredients

Servings

4 tablespoon white sugar 50 g
4 cups hot water
2 tablespoon loose black tea or 3 tea bags, like lipton red label orenglish breakfast
6 pods whole cardamom
3 whole cloves
pinch saffron threads (like 5-6 threads)
3 slices of whole ginger root, or pinch of ginger powder optional
2/3 cup evaporated milk 170g

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. Let the sugar melt and caramelize without stirring or disturbing it. Once it has turned a golden caramel, slowly stream in the hot water. (If some parts of the sugar clump and harden, don't worry they'll melt as the water boils).
Add the tea, the cardamom, cloves, saffron, and ginger. Boil for 5-7 minutes or so until spices are fragrant, then add the evaporated milk.
Lower the heat slightly until tea is at a steady, low simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until tea thickens slightly.
Transfer the tea to a tea pot, using a strainer while pouring so you can separate the tea leaves and spices.
Enjoy hot! Utter comfort.

Notes

You can add more or less spices based on your taste preference. Try whole peppercorns and whole cinnamon. Eliminate the ginger if you aren't a fan, but it gives such a lovely warmth.
You can also add more milk based on preference.
Serve with additional sugar on the side if you don't find this sweet enough.
Storing leftovers: Leftover karak can be stored for a couple days in the fridge, and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave!