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.

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Popular Karak Chai with Condensed Milk

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 1/4 cup condensed milk (or adjust according to desired sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves (preferably a strong variety)
• 4-6 cardamom pods, crushed
• Optional spices: cinnamon, cloves, ginger (for added warmth and flavor)

Directions

1. Water and Spices: In a saucepan, heat the water. Add the crushed cardamom pods and optional spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

2. Tea Leaves: Once the water is simmering, add the black tea leaves. Allow it to boil gently until the water reduces slightly, intensifying the tea's flavor.

3. Milk and Condensed Milk: Add the full-fat milk and condensed milk to the saucepan. The condensed milk not only sweetens the chai but also contributes to its creamy texture.

4. Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. This process allows the flavors to meld together and the tea to achieve a rich consistency.

5. Strain: After simmering for a few minutes, strain the tea into cups, ensuring all spices and tea leaves are removed.

6. Serve: Enjoy the Karak Chai hot, ideally with traditional accompaniments like biscuits or pastries.

This preparation method for Karak Chai, using condensed milk, is popular for its rich, creamy, and sweet characteristics. It's a beloved variant in many tea-drinking cultures, offering a comforting and indulgent twist on the traditional chai.

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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.