Ginger Tea Recipe – Adrak Chai
When the weather turns cool, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot cup of Ginger Tea, or “Adrak Chai,” as it’s called in Hindi. This aromatic and refreshing beverage is a perfect companion for rainy days, pairing wonderfully with crispy onion pakoras or your favorite snacks. Known for its soothing qualities, the slight heat from the ginger blends beautifully with the richness of tea leaves and milk, making every sip a cozy experience.
This simple, yet flavorful tea is a staple in many Indian households, where it’s made with a few fresh ingredients and steeped to perfection. Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to brighten your day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 cups |
| Milk (hot) | 1/4 cup |
| Tea leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Sugar (optional) | As per taste |
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect ginger tea is simple and quick, requiring just a few steps. Follow these easy-to-understand instructions to enjoy a hot, flavorful cup of Adrak Chai:
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Prepare the Milk: Start by heating the milk in a small saucepan. Once it’s heated, set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the tea.
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Boil Water & Ginger: In a separate saucepan, pour 2 cups of water. Add the grated ginger to the water and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors of the ginger to infuse into the water.
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Add Tea Leaves: Once the ginger has boiled for a couple of minutes, add the tea leaves to the saucepan. Let the mixture continue to boil for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea.
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Simmer & Steep: After boiling for 1 to 2 minutes, turn off the heat. Cover the saucepan and let it steep for an additional minute. This helps the tea leaves and ginger infuse even more, creating a rich, flavorful brew.
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Add Milk & Sugar: After the tea has steeped, add the hot milk to the mixture. Stir well to combine. Add sugar to taste, depending on how sweet you like your tea.
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Strain & Serve: Strain the tea into cups, discarding the ginger and tea leaves. Your perfect cup of ginger tea is now ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions
Ginger tea is most delightful when served with crunchy snacks. In India, it’s often paired with crispy onion pakoras or other savory fritters, especially during the monsoon season. The combination of hot tea and spicy, deep-fried snacks makes for an ideal evening treat. Enjoy your ginger tea with a warm snack and relax as the flavors melt together.
Why You’ll Love This Ginger Tea Recipe
- Soothing & Refreshing: The natural properties of ginger provide warmth and comfort, making this tea perfect for chilly evenings or rainy afternoons.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of ginger tea in just 15 minutes.
- Health Benefits: Ginger is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits, while the tea leaves provide a mild caffeine boost. This makes it both a refreshing and healthful beverage.
Tips for the Best Ginger Tea
- Adjust the Strength: If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, feel free to let the ginger boil for an extra minute or two before adding the tea leaves.
- Tea Variations: You can experiment by adding other spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a richer flavor. These additions can elevate the tea and bring a unique twist.
- Sweeteners: While sugar is commonly used, you can also try honey or jaggery for a more natural sweetness.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Enjoy your Ginger Tea – Adrak Chai – as a delightful side dish to your evening snacks!
