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Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 36 reviews

Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Tea, is a traditional warm beverage featuring a unique pink hue and a fragrant blend of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. This tea is perfect for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or as a special treat during afternoon tea. Its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices make it a comforting and distinctive drink.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea leaves
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Spices

  • 1–2 star anise
  • 2 cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Milk & Sweetener

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Sugar or honey to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • Crushed nuts (pistachios or almonds)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Tea Leaves: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri green tea leaves and boil for 5 minutes to extract the strong tea essence.
  2. Add Baking Soda: Stir in ½ teaspoon of baking soda. This will cause the water to turn a deep red color. Continue boiling for an additional 2 minutes.
  3. Add Spices: Incorporate the star anise, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick into the boiling tea. Boil for 1 more minute to let the spices infuse the tea.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to intensify and the color to deepen further.
  5. Season & Add Milk: Stir in ¼ teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors. Add 2 cups of whole milk and gently bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. The tea will gradually develop its characteristic pink color during this process.
  6. Strain & Serve: Strain the tea into cups to remove tea leaves and spices. Sweeten with sugar or honey according to your preference. Garnish with crushed nuts if desired for an added festive touch.

Notes

  • Use authentic Kashmiri or Himalayan green tea leaves for the best flavor and vibrant pink color; regular green tea may result in a lighter pink hue.
  • The pink color develops due to the reaction between baking soda, tea leaves, and milk; adjust baking soda quantity for a deeper or lighter blush tone.
  • Start with less sugar or honey and adjust sweetness gradually to your taste.
  • Feel free to add other spices such as cloves, nutmeg, or black pepper to customize the chai.
  • For a vegan version, substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
  • Store leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and reheat gently to preserve flavor and color.
  • Garnish options include crushed nuts, saffron strands, or rose petals for a decorative and festive presentation.

Keywords: Kashmiri Pink Chai, Noon Tea, Noon Chai, Kashmiri Tea, Spiced Tea, Pink Tea, Indian Tea, Traditional Kashmiri Recipe

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/kashmiri-pink-chai-noon-tea-recipe/