Karak Chai
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
174 kcal
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Course
Drinks
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Karak Chai
Description
Karak Chai combines black tea with aromatic whole spices such as cardamom pods, cloves, saffron threads, and optionally ginger slices or powder. The preparation starts by melting sugar until it caramelizes, then hot water is slowly added to dissolve the caramel into a syrupy base. Tea leaves or bags and the whole spices are boiled together, infusing the liquid with deep spice flavors. Evaporated milk is added to lend creaminess, and the mixture simmers on low heat until slightly thickened.
The resulting chai has a layered taste, with sweetness from the caramelized sugar, warmth from the spices, and richness from the evaporated milk. The tea is strained to remove leaves and spices before serving, delivering a smooth, aromatic cup. This chai suits well as a soothing drink for breakfast or teatime.
According to notes, spice levels can be adjusted to preference, and additional spices like peppercorns or cinnamon can be included. The strength of sweetness and milkiness can also be varied. Leftovers can be refrigerated for a couple of days and reheated gently without losing flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon white sugar 50 g
- 4 cups water hot
- 2 tablespoon black tea or 3 tea bags, like lipton red label orenglish breakfast, loose
- 6 pods whole cardamom
- 3 clove whole
- pinch saffron threads like 5-6 threads
- 3 ginger root optional, slices or pinch of ginger powder
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk 170g
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
- Adjust spices to your taste, trying whole peppercorns or cinnamon for varied flavor.
- Omit ginger if undesired, but it adds a warm note to the chai.
- Modify milk and sugar to suit sweetness and creaminess preferences.
- Store leftover chai in the refrigerator up to two days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 174 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 174kcal | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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