Authentic Karak Chai Recipe
Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Authentic Karak Chai, a traditional spiced tea from the Middle East and South Asia, known for its bold blend of black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and creamy evaporated milk. Perfect for a comforting start or a relaxing afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Boiling and Simmering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / South Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons loose black tea or 2 black tea bags
Spices
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom or 2 crushed cardamom pods
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder or 1 small cinnamon stick
- ½ inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 cloves (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon saffron strands (optional)
Milk and Sweetener
- ½ cup evaporated milk or regular milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar or to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Water & Spices: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add cardamom, cinnamon, grated ginger, cloves, and saffron if using. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to infuse all the spices and develop a fragrant base.
- Add the Tea: Add the loose black tea or tea bags to the spiced boiling water. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the tea deepens in color and the aroma intensifies.
- Pour in the Milk: Stir in the evaporated milk or regular milk, then bring the entire mixture back to a gentle boil. Simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes to allow the tea to gain a rich and creamy texture.
- Sweeten and Simmer: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar or adjust to your preferred sweetness level. Stir well and let the tea simmer for an additional 2 minutes so all flavors harmonize beautifully.
- Strain and Serve: Use a fine sieve to strain the tea into cups, removing the spices and tea leaves. Serve the Karak Chai hot, and enjoy the full-bodied, spiced flavor in every sip.
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, increase steeping time by 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust sweetness according to your taste preference.
- Saffron is optional but adds a luxurious aroma and subtle color.
- Evaporated milk gives a richer creaminess, but regular milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Use fresh spices for the most authentic flavor experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240 ml)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Karak chai, spiced tea, cardamom tea, evaporated milk tea, traditional Indian tea, Middle Eastern chai
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/authentic-karak-chai-recipe/
