Kesar Chai Saffron Tea With Milk Recipe

On a crisp morning, there are few things I enjoy more than a cup of Kesar Chai, or saffron tea with milk. This delightful beverage has an aroma and flavor that can’t be beaten, thanks to saffron strands and crushed cardamom pods.

Made with equal parts water and milk, a base of robust black tea, and lightly sweetened with just the right amount of sugar, Kesar Chai is nothing if not luxurious. While I don’t usually add ginger to mine, a small amount would make the drink even more anti-inflammatory (which is already a potential benefit of the tea) and would amp up the warmth and comfort already present.

Ingredients

Black Tea Leaves, Loose: Antioxidants galore, and they give you a nice boost of energy.

They have a rich flavor.

Saffron Strands: Imparts vivid shade, subtle scent, and crocin for an emotional boost.

Pods of cardamom: A spice that is both aromatic and medicinal, aids digestion, and gives earthy, sweet notes to dishes.

Ginger: An optional spice, with potential anti-inflammatory properties, adds warmth and subtle heat.

Sweetening the brew, balancing the spices—sugar does all that and more, and it’s adjustable, offering personal variations of sweetness, from mild to wild.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves or 2 tea bags
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 5-6 saffron strands
• 2 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 small piece of ginger, crushed (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, boil 1 cup of water. You want to achieve a nice rolling boil, which should take about 5 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and continue until you’re ready to use the water.

2. When the water has reached a rolling boil, add either the loose black tea leaves or the tea bags and let them steep in the water for approximately 2-3 minutes.

3. While the tea is steeping, the saffron strands should be crushed gently between the fingers and set aside.

4. If you are using fresh ginger, crush it. Then, add the crushed ginger and crushed cardamom pods to the saucepan. Let the contents of the saucepan simmer together for another 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.

5. Add 1 cup of milk to the saucepan and stir well with the other ingredients.

6. Let the mixture achieve a gentle boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for around 2-3 minutes, stirring every so often.

7. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, or adjust to your liking, and stir until completely dissolved.

8. Introduce the tea saffron strands and stir gently. Allow it to simmer for one additional minute.

9. Take the saucepan off the heat and pour the tea into a cup using a fine mesh strainer to catch any stray tea leaves or pieces of spice.

10. Serve the Kesar Chai hot, sipping and enjoying the aromatic flavors of saffron and spices.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Stove or heat source
3. Measuring cup
4. Timer or clock
5. Teaspoon
6. Tablespoon
7. Fine mesh strainer
8. Cup for serving
9. Spoon for stirring
10. Small bowl or mortar for crushing saffron and ginger

FAQ

• What type of tea is best for Kesar Chai?Any strong black tea, such as Assam or Darjeeling, can be used to pair with the flavors of saffron and cardamom.
• Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?Indeed, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in place of regular milk for a nondairy alternative.
• Does saffron need to be pre-soaked?Soaking the saffron strands in warm milk for a few minutes, prior to adding them to the tea, can help in releasing their color and flavor better.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the tea?Change the sugar to your liking by adding more or less, or use a sweetener of your choice, like honey or agave syrup.
• Is there an alternative to cardamom pods?You can substitute ground cardamom for cardamom pods, if necessary, using a pinch of the ground spice.
• Can the ginger be omitted?Certainly, ginger is not a requirement, and you can easily leave it out if you prefer the more direct combination of saffron and cardamom to flavor your dish.
• What is the best way to serve Kesar Chai?Serve it hot in small cups to appreciate the aroma and rich flavors. This is perfect for an afternoon tea, a cozy evening, or anytime you’re craving an invigorating cup of Earl Grey.

Substitutions and Variations

Milk: For a dairy-free option, use almond or soy milk.
Use green tea leaves or herbal tea bags to create an entirely different flavor profile.
Sugar: Substitute honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia.
Strands of saffron: For a similar color, use turmeric; however, the flavor will not be the same.
Pods of cardamom: Use cardamom that has been ground, or allspice, in a pinch.