Irani Chai Recipe
Traditional Persian Tea with a Hyderabadi Twist
Irani Chai is a beloved specialty in Hyderabad, with roots tracing back to Persia. It was introduced by Persian settlers in the city and has since evolved into a unique tea enjoyed throughout the region. The flavors of this tea are enhanced through the slow brewing of aromatic spices, creating a rich, flavorful decoction. Irani Chai is best enjoyed with traditional snacks like fruitcake cookies, jeera biscuits, or khara biscuits, making it the perfect choice for a delightful tea-time experience.
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 piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 5 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons (adjust as per taste) |
| Chilled water | 1 cup |
Preparation Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Decoction:
In a saucepan, add the chilled water along with all the spices – star anise, cardamom pods, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns. Let it come to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors. -
Add Milk and Cream:
After the spices have simmered, add the milk and fresh cream to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. The longer you leave it, the stronger the decoction will become, giving it a more intense flavor. -
Add Tea Leaves:
Once the milk and spices have melded together, add the Assam tea leaves to the saucepan. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the tea leaves to infuse their flavor into the brew. -
Strain and Serve:
Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the spices and tea leaves. Add sugar to taste, stirring until it dissolves completely. -
Enjoy with Traditional Snacks:
Irani Chai is traditionally served with sweet or savory biscuits. Pair your chai with fruitcake cookies, jeera biscuits, or khara biscuits for the perfect snack combo.
Tips for Perfect Irani Chai:
- For a richer taste, you can increase the amount of fresh cream or milk.
- Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Experiment with the spice mix to find your ideal balance of flavors.
This Irani Chai recipe will take you on a flavorful journey to the streets of Hyderabad, offering a fragrant and comforting tea experience that’s perfect for any time of day. Enjoy the warmth and aroma with your favorite snacks!
