Irani Chai (Iranian Tea) Recipe
A warm, fragrant cup of Irani Chai is an invitation to indulge in a rich, spiced tea experience that combines the earthy notes of Assam tea with aromatic spices and creamy goodness. Hailing from the vibrant Middle Eastern region, this tea is perfect for serving alongside sweet or savory snacks like Fruitcake Cookies, Jeera Biscuits, or Khara Biscuits. This recipe is perfect for tea lovers who enjoy a flavorful, slightly spiced beverage with a creamy texture.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Assam tea leaves | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Fresh cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 5 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste) |
| Chilled water | 1 cup |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
|---|
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spiced Water: In a saucepan, add the chilled water along with all the spices—star anise, cardamom pods, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Allow the spices to infuse for 5 minutes, creating a fragrant base for the tea.
“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business -
-
Add Milk and Cream: Once the spices have boiled for 5 minutes, add the milk and fresh cream to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. The longer you allow it to simmer, the stronger and more flavorful the decoction will become.
-
Infuse the Tea Leaves: After the milk and cream have been simmering, add the Assam tea leaves into the pot. Keep the tea simmering for another 3 minutes, allowing the leaves to infuse and release their full flavor into the spiced milk mixture.
-
Strain and Serve: Before serving, strain the tea into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves. Add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved, ensuring the sweetness is just right.
-
Pair and Enjoy: Irani Chai is traditionally served with Fruitcake Cookies, Jeera Biscuits, or Khara Biscuits, making it the perfect companion for a delightful snack break. The creamy, spiced tea is best enjoyed warm.
Tips for the Best Irani Chai
- For a richer flavor, you can adjust the amount of fresh cream according to your preference, making the chai more indulgent.
- If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, let the spice mixture simmer for a little longer before adding the milk and cream.
- For a non-dairy option, substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk and cream for a different twist.
Irani Chai brings a delightful warmth to your day, offering not just a drink, but an experience of Middle Eastern hospitality and aromatic indulgence. It’s a perfect addition to any tea lover’s collection, especially when paired with your favorite cookies or savory biscuits.
