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karak chai creamy

Creamy Karak Chai

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Indian, Middle Eastern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 10 green cardamom pods cracked
  • 2 cloves lightly smashed
  • 1 small knob fresh ginger grated
  • 2 black tea bags or 3 for stronger flavor
  • 1 cup evaporated milk about 30% of liquid
  • 2 –3 tablespoons condensed milk or sugar, to taste
  • Pinch of saffron optional

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, bring water to a simmer. Add grated ginger, cardamom pods, and cloves.
  2. Let spices simmer 3–4 minutes to release flavor.
  3. Add tea bags and simmer another 5 minutes.
  4. Remove tea bags and pour in evaporated milk. Stir.
  5. Sweeten with condensed milk or sugar. Add saffron if using.
  6. Let brew on low heat 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Bring to a boil until foam rises, then lift off the heat. Repeat this boil–lift cycle 3 times.
  8. Strain into cups and serve hot.

Notes

  • For creamier chai, use a 3:1 milk-to-water ratio.
  • For lighter chai, try a 2:1 water-to-milk ratio.
  • Pouring the tea back and forth between pot and cup a few times makes it frothy and smooth, just like street-style karak.