Indulge in the rich tradition of Kashmiri Pink Chai with this easy and delightful recipe! Discover the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create your own vibrant, flavorful tea. Learn how spices and saffron elevate the taste, and find tips on achieving that perfect frothy texture. Whether for a cozy evening or a gathering with friends, this drink is sure to impress.

Kashmiri Pink Chai Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a unique and flavorful tea that combines the boldness of green tea leaves with the richness of milk, creating a velvety texture and vibrant color. The addition of spices like cardamom, along with a touch of saffron, adds warmth and depth to the drink. This tea is perfect for both warming up on a cold day and impressing guests at a gathering. The beautifully frothy top and gorgeous pink color make it an eye-catching and comforting treat for any occasion.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 cups water
2 tablespoons green tea leaves (Kashmiri tea)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1-2 green cardamom pods, crushed
A pinch of salt
Chopped pistachios and almonds for garnish
A sprinkle of ground cardamom for garnish

Directions

Boil the Water:
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the green tea leaves.
Add Baking Soda:
Once the water is boiling, add the baking soda and stir. The tea will turn a deep reddish-brown color, which is a key step in making Kashmiri Pink Chai.
Simmer:
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the tea to release its color and flavor.
Strain the Tea:
Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the tea into a clean pot, discarding the tea leaves.
Add Cardamom and Salt:
Return the strained tea to the stove and add the crushed cardamom pods and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer again.
Add Milk and Whisk:
Slowly add the cold milk to the tea while whisking vigorously. This step is crucial for aerating the tea and achieving the signature pink color.
Simmer Again:
Continue to whisk as the mixture comes to a gentle boil, about 5-10 minutes. Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar according to your taste.
Finish the Tea:
Once the tea has turned a lovely pink color and is well combined, remove it from heat.
Serve:
Pour the Kashmiri Pink Chai into cups and top with a dollop of heavy cream. Garnish with chopped pistachios, almonds, and a sprinkle of ground cardamom for an added touch.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 cups

Variations

Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to suit your taste. You can add more or less depending on how sweet you like your chai.
Non-Dairy Version: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe vegan.
Add Saffron: For a traditional touch, add a few saffron strands along with the cardamom for a richer flavor and more golden hue.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Kashmiri Pink Chai is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Gently reheat the tea on the stove, adding a splash of milk to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 140 kcal
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Conclusion

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a beautifully vibrant and aromatic tea that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. With its rich, creamy texture and the lovely touch of cardamom and other spices, it’s an indulgent treat that’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you want to impress guests. This recipe is easy to prepare, and the results are sure to leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re enjoying it on your own or serving it to others, this tea is a delightful experience that brings both flavor and tradition to the table.