Kashmiri Tea, also known as "Noon Chai," is a traditional tea beverage that originates from the Kashmir region in India. It has gained popularity among tea enthusiasts worldwide due to its unique blend of spices and distinct pink color.
The recipe for Kashmiri Tea involves a combination of green tea leaves, milk, salt, and baking soda. The secret ingredient that gives it its signature pink hue is "Sodium bicarbonate." This ingredient reacts with the tannins present in the black tea to create a distinctive color.
Let's take a look at how you can make your own delicious cup of Kashmiri Tea:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp green tea leaves
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of Salt
- Sugar or honey (optional)
- Cardamom powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small pot, bring two cups of water to boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiled add one teaspoonful of green tea leaves into it and let it simmer for about five minutes.
3. Add quarter teaspoonfuls of baking soda along with salt and mix well until the liquid turns light pink.
4. Now add half cup full-fat milk into it while continuously stirring on low heat till further boiling point is reached.
5. Simmer on low heat for another couple minutes before taking off from stove top.
6. Strain out any remaining loose particles from the mixture using cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer if desired.
7. Serve hot with sugar or honey as per taste preference.
While optional ingredients like cardamom powder may be added according to personal preferences but try not adding too much otherwise will overpower other flavors in drink.
Overall, making Kashmiri Tea requires some patience and attention to detail but once mastered becomes easy task might become favorite go-to drink during colder weather seasons especially!
Kashmiri Tea Nutrients
Kashmiri tea, also known as noon chai or sheer chai, is a traditional drink from the Kashmir region of India. This pink-hued tea has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other teas. While many enjoy drinking it for its unique taste and aroma, others are curious about the nutritional benefits of this popular beverage.
One of the main ingredients in Kashmiri tea is green tea leaves, which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Green tea also contains caffeine and L-theanine, both of which have been shown to improve brain function and reduce stress levels.
Another key ingredient in Kashmiri tea is milk. Milk provides several important nutrients like calcium for strong bones and teeth and vitamin D for healthy immune systems. It also contains protein that helps build muscle mass.
Cardamom is another common ingredient found in Kashmiri tea that offers numerous health benefits. Like green tea leaves, cardamom has antioxidant properties that help protect against cell damage caused by aging or environmental toxins. Additionally, cardamom has anti-inflammatory effects on the body that may help alleviate symptoms related to conditions such as arthritis or asthma.
Finally, sugar or honey is often added to sweeten the taste of Kashmiri tea. While too much sugar consumption can lead to negative health outcomes such as weight gain or diabetes over time; consuming small amounts with moderation will not cause any major health issues if done responsibly.
Overall, while enjoying a cup of kashmiri/noon/sheer chai with moderate amount of sweetness can be part of a healthy diet due to its rich nutrient content such as antioxidants found in green teas & Cardamom's anti-oxidative & anti-inflammatory properties along with proteins& vitamins present in milk; one should be mindful about limiting their overall daily sugar intake whilst continuing savoring their hot cups during their chilly winter evenings.