Description
Kashmiri Pink Chai, also known as Noon Chai, is a traditional tea from Kashmir made with green tea leaves, milk, and baking soda, which gives it a unique pink color. This creamy, aromatic tea has a rich, slightly salty, and nutty flavor, often garnished with crushed nuts for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp Kashmiri green tea leaves
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2–3 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios & almonds (for garnish)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add Kashmiri green tea leaves and baking soda.
- Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the tea turns a deep reddish-brown.
- Add 1 cup of cold water and continue stirring briskly to develop the pink hue.
- Pour in the milk and stir well. Add sugar and cardamom powder.
- Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes until the tea is rich and creamy.
- Strain the tea into cups and garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Authenticity: Baking soda is essential for the pink color. Stirring vigorously helps in color development.
Sweet or Salty: Traditionally, Noon Chai is slightly salty, but you can adjust it to your preference.
Enhancements: Add saffron or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Sugar: ~12g
- Sodium: ~50mg
- Fat: ~5g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~15mg