Simple Tea recipe/ Nepali Cup of Tea

 

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Making Nepali tea, often referred to as "Chiya" in Nepal, not chai (Chai is in Hindi TMI), involves a unique blend of spices and a distinct preparation process. Here's a simple recipe for making traditional Nepali tea at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of milk
• 3-4 teaspoons of loose black tea leaves or 2-3 tea bags
• 2-3 teaspoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 small piece of ginger, finely grated
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 2-3 cloves
• A pinch of black pepper (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil Water:

   • In a saucepan (tapes), bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

2. Add Tea Leaves:

   • Once the water boils, add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the boiling water.

3. Infuse Spices:

   • Add grated ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, black pepper (if using), and cinnamon powder (if using) to the boiling water and tea leaves.

4. Simmer:

   • Allow the tea and spices to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld.

5. Add Milk:

   • Pour in 2 cups of milk. You can adjust the ratio of water to milk based on your preference for the strength of the tea.

6. Bring to a Boil:

   • Allow the tea and milk mixture to come to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent overflowing.

7. Sweeten the Tea:

   • Add sugar to the tea and stir well. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste. You can add more or less sugar as desired.

8. Strain and Serve:

   • Once the tea has reached your preferred strength and sweetness, strain it into cups using a fine mesh strainer or a tea filter.

9. Enjoy:

   • Nepali tea is often served hot and is perfect for sipping slowly, especially on a chilly day.

Tips:

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice quantities according to your preference. Some people prefer a stronger ginger flavor, while others might enjoy more cardamom or cloves.

• Milk Preference: You can use whole milk for a creamier texture or opt for lighter milk if you prefer. Adjust the milk-to-water ratio based on your taste.

• Tea Leaves: Traditionally, loose black tea leaves are used, but you can also use tea bags if that's more convenient.

• Customization: Nepali tea recipes can vary from one household to another. Don't hesitate to customize the ingredients and proportions to suit your taste.

Enjoy your homemade Nepali tea! It's not just a beverage; it's an experience deeply rooted in Nepali culture.