the_information_nexus/docs/food_related/Karak-Chai.md

Traditional Karak Chai

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups full-fat milk
• 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar
• 4-6 cardamom pods, crushed
• Optional: a pinch of cloves and/or a small piece of cinnamon stick

Directions

1. In a saucepan, add water and bring to a simmer on medium heat.
2. Add crushed cardamom pods (and cloves and cinnamon if using), tea leaves.
3. Boil gently until the water starts to reduce, stirring occasionally.
4. Add full-fat milk and stir well.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until it thickens slightly.
6. Add sugar according to taste and stir until dissolved.
7. Simmer on low heat for a few more minutes.
8. Strain the tea into cups.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Modern Karak Chai (Dairy-Free)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups almond milk or oat milk
• 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 4-6 cardamom pods, crushed
• Optional: ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick, a few strands of saffron, slice of fresh ginger

Directions

1. Bring water to a simmer in a saucepan. Add crushed cardamom, optional cinnamon, and ginger slice.
2. Add tea leaves and boil until water reduces a bit.
3. Pour in almond or oat milk.
4. Stir in brown sugar or honey.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Add saffron if using.
6. Simmer until fragrant and slightly thickened.
7. Strain tea into cups.
8. Serve hot.

Contemporary Tea Shop Karak Chai (With a Twist)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups coconut milk (for a tropical twist)
• 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves (or chai blend)
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (for a unique sweetener)
• 4-6 cardamom pods, crushed
• Optional: a dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of nutmeg

Directions

1. In a saucepan, heat water and add crushed cardamom pods.
2. Add tea leaves and let the mixture boil until the water is reduced.
3. Pour in coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor.
4. Sweeten with maple syrup.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a rich flavor.
6. Optionally add a dash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra aroma.
7. Strain the chai into cups.
8. Serve warm, ideally with a tropical-themed presentation.