Karak Chai, or Karak tea, is a comforting, thick, and flavorful caramel-colored milky spiced tea that’s enjoyed by many in the Gulf and Middle East, inspired by the famous Indian masala chai. This tea is rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy treat or when you need a warm, comforting beverage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Karak Chai is a comforting and rich beverage, with a perfect balance of sweetness, spices, and creaminess. The combination of caramelized sugar, strong black tea, and spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron makes for a warming drink that will instantly soothe and energize you. It’s perfect for sipping on a chilly day or as a special afternoon treat.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 tablespoons white sugar (50g)
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4 cups hot water
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2 tablespoons loose black tea (or 3 tea bags, such as Lipton Red Label or English Breakfast)
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6 pods whole cardamom
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3 whole cloves
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Pinch of saffron threads (5-6 threads)
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3 slices of whole ginger root (or a pinch of ginger powder, optional)
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2/3 cup evaporated milk (170g)
Directions
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Caramelize the Sugar:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. Allow the sugar to melt and caramelize without stirring. Let it turn into a golden caramel. Once it has caramelized, slowly stream in the hot water. (If some parts of the sugar clump and harden, don’t worry, it will melt as the water boils.) -
Add the Spices and Tea:
Add the tea leaves (or tea bags), cardamom, cloves, saffron, and ginger to the saucepan. Boil for 5-7 minutes or until the spices release their fragrance. -
Add Milk and Simmer:
Add the evaporated milk to the mixture and lower the heat slightly. Allow the tea to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. -
Strain and Serve:
Transfer the tea into a teapot, using a strainer to separate the tea leaves and spices. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting richness of Karak Chai.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 4 cups
Variations
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Adjust the Spice Level: You can add more or less of the spices based on your taste preference. For an extra kick, try adding whole peppercorns or a cinnamon stick. If you’re not a fan of ginger, feel free to omit it, though it does add a lovely warmth to the chai.
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Milk Options: You can adjust the amount of milk to suit your preference. Some like their Karak Chai richer, so you can add more milk if desired.
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Sweetness: You can serve additional sugar on the side if you prefer a sweeter tea.
Storing Leftovers
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Storage: Leftover Karak Chai can be stored for up to a couple of days in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 174 kcal
Conclusion
Karak Chai is a delightful, aromatic, and indulgent tea that will warm you up from the inside out. With its sweet and spiced flavor profile, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy alone or share with friends and family. Whether you’re familiar with it from the Middle East or trying it for the first time, this tea is sure to impress and become a favorite!
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Karak Chai Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
Description
Karak Chai is a rich, comforting, and spiced tea that’s a popular treat in the Gulf and Middle East. With a blend of strong black tea, caramelized sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron, this tea provides a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. Ideal for cozy moments or as a special afternoon indulgence, Karak Chai is a flavorful beverage that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons white sugar (50g)
4 cups hot water
2 tablespoons loose black tea (or 3 tea bags, such as Lipton Red Label or English Breakfast)
6 pods whole cardamom
3 whole cloves
Pinch of saffron threads (5-6 threads)
3 slices of whole ginger root (or a pinch of ginger powder, optional)
2/3 cup evaporated milk (170g)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. Allow it to melt and caramelize into a golden-brown color without stirring. Once caramelized, slowly stream in the hot water (some sugar may clump, but it will melt as the water heats).
- Add the Spices and Tea: Add the tea leaves (or tea bags), cardamom, cloves, saffron, and ginger to the saucepan. Boil for 5-7 minutes, letting the spices release their aroma.
- Add Milk and Simmer: Pour in the evaporated milk and reduce the heat slightly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes until it thickens and reaches the desired creaminess.
- Strain and Serve: Using a strainer, pour the tea into a teapot to remove the tea leaves and spices. Serve hot and enjoy your Karak Chai!
Notes
- Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of spices to suit your taste. Add whole peppercorns or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. If you’re not fond of ginger, feel free to skip it, though it adds a lovely warmth to the tea.
- Milk Options: Adjust the milk quantity to make the tea richer or lighter, depending on your preference.
- Sweetness: Serve additional sugar on the side if you prefer a sweeter tea.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
