Authentic Karak Chai Recipe

Name: Authentic Karak Chai Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 cups
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 2 teaspoons black tea leaves (loose or 2 tea bags); 4 pods cardamom (crushed); 1 stick cinnamon; 1 inch fresh ginger (sliced); 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste); 1 cup milk (whole or your preference)

20 min 2 cups Easy

All Recipes

Discover the rich and aromatic flavours of traditional Karak Chai, a spiced tea perfect for any time of day.

Prep

5 min

Cook

15 min

Total

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Karak Chai is a beloved spiced tea, originating from the Middle East, known for its robust flavour and aromatic spices. It combines black tea with fragrant spices like cardamom and cinnamon, creating a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. This version of Karak Chai focuses on authenticity and simplicity, making it accessible for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting and energizing beverage. Whether you're a tea aficionado or a newcomer to spiced teas, this recipe will guide you through creating a delightful cup of Karak Chai.

Ingredients

Servings

For the Karak Chai

Instructions

Boil the water

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.

Add spices and tea

Add 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves, 4 crushed cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 inch of sliced ginger to the boiling water.

Pro tip: Crush the cardamom pods with the back of a spoon to release more flavour.

Simmer the mixture

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.

Pro tip: For a stronger flavour, simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Add sugar and milk

Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 cup of milk. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil.

Pro tip: Adjust sugar to your preference.

Strain the tea

Once the tea has reached the desired strength, strain the mixture into cups using a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and tea leaves.

Serve hot

Pour the strained Karak Chai into cups and serve immediately while hot.

Pro tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of cardamom powder for added aroma.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use whole spices for maximum flavour.
Simmer the tea to fully infuse the spices.
Adjust sugar and milk to personal taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Karak Chai hot, ideally with traditional Middle Eastern snacks like dates or baklava. It pairs beautifully with a light breakfast or can be enjoyed on its own for a cozy afternoon tea. Make ahead by preparing the spice mix in bulk, storing it in an airtight container for up to a month. Once brewed, Karak Chai can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated as needed.

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