Aynar, a traditional Lebanese spiced tea, is a fragrant and warming drink with a rich blend of aromatic spices. This orange-tinted tea, served with chopped nuts like walnuts, pistachios, and pine nuts, is perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions. It’s the ideal beverage for those who love complex flavors and a little spice in their drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Aynar is a comforting, fragrant tea packed with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and anise, making it a truly warming drink for cold weather or whenever you want to treat yourself. The addition of nuts adds a satisfying crunch and a delightful texture, making this tea a full sensory experience. Whether you’re celebrating Lebanese traditions or just craving something different, this tea is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
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8 cups (1.8 liters) water
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4 cinnamon sticks
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2-inch (5 centimeters) piece fresh ginger, sliced
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1 tablespoon anise seed
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated sugar
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Chopped walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and/or almonds for serving
Directions
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Simmer the Spices:
In a medium saucepan, add the water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger slices, anise seeds, and nutmeg. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the tea to develop its color and aroma. -
Add Sugar and Strain:
Just before serving, whisk in the sugar and continue to simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices. Discard the spices. -
Serve with Nuts:
Place a small amount of chopped walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, or almonds at the bottom of each teacup. Pour the hot tea over the nuts and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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Servings: 8 cups
Variations
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Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add more ginger for a spicier kick or reduce the anise seeds for a milder flavor.
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Sweetener Options: You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or another sweetener if you prefer.
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Nuts: The nuts can be mixed and matched based on your preference. You can also toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Aynar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the tea becomes too concentrated, simply add a little water when reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 60 kcal (without nuts)
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Sugar: 13g
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Sodium: 0mg
Conclusion
Aynar (Lebanese Spiced Tea) is a fragrant, warming, and delicious drink that brings comfort and a sense of tradition to your table. With its perfect balance of spices and the addition of crunchy nuts, it’s a unique beverage that’s sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon, this tea will delight your senses and leave you craving more!
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Aynar (Lebanese Spiced Tea)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
Description
Aynar, a traditional Lebanese spiced tea, is a fragrant and warming beverage made with aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and anise. This orange-hued tea, often served with chopped nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, and pine nuts, offers a comforting and flavorful experience. Perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions, Aynar delivers a unique blend of sweetness, spice, and nutty texture that will delight your senses.
Ingredients
8 cups (1.8 liters) water
4 cinnamon sticks
2-inch (5 cm) piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 tablespoon anise seed
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated sugar
Chopped walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and/or almonds for serving
Instructions
- Simmer the Spices:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, sliced fresh ginger, anise seeds, and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours to develop the rich aroma and color. - Add Sugar and Strain:
Just before serving, whisk in the sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices. Discard the spices. - Serve with Nuts:
Place a small amount of chopped walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, or almonds at the bottom of each teacup. Pour the hot tea over the nuts and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the Spice: Add more ginger for a spicier flavor or reduce anise seeds for a milder taste.
- Sweetener Options: Replace granulated sugar with honey or another preferred sweetener.
- Nuts: Mix and match nuts or toast them lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Lebanese
