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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.