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
