Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Kashmiri Pink Chai (Noon Tea) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 1 review

Kashmiri Pink Chai is a traditional, visually stunning tea known for its distinctive pink hue and rich, aromatic flavors. This recipe guides you through preparing this comforting beverage using green tea, fragrant spices, and milk, resulting in a warm or iced drink perfect for any time of day. The slow simmering and special technique with baking soda develop the signature color and depth of flavor.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Tea Base

  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 tbsp Kashmiri/Himalayan green tea or other green tea
  • 1/2 tsp Baking soda

Spices

  • 1 Star anise
  • 4 Cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 Cinnamon stick

Additional Flavorings

  • 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt or other salt
  • 1 cup Whole milk
  • Sugar (or honey) to taste

Instructions

  1. Steep the Tea Leaves: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of Kashmiri green tea leaves and reduce to a simmer, letting it steep for about 5 minutes to extract the tea’s natural flavor.
  2. Add Baking Soda: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into the simmering tea. This will cause the water to change to a deep red color. Continue boiling the mixture for another 2 minutes to enhance this reaction.
  3. Add Spices: Add 1 star anise, 4 crushed cardamom pods, and 1 cinnamon stick into the boiling tea. Let the spiced tea boil for an additional minute to infuse the flavors.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and allow the tea to simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the liquid will reduce to about half of its original volume, concentrating flavors and deepening the color.
  5. Add Salt: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan salt and mix thoroughly to balance the flavors.
  6. Pour in Milk: Add 1 cup of whole milk to the tea. Increase the heat moderately and bring the tea to a low boil, stirring constantly to prevent the milk from burning. The tea will develop a beautiful pink shade at this stage.
  7. Strain and Serve: Once the tea achieves the desired pink color, remove it from the heat. Add sugar or honey to your teacups as preferred. Strain the tea into the cups and give it a final stir to dissolve the sweetener. Serve the chai hot or pour it over ice for a refreshing iced version.

Notes

  • Simmering the tea slowly is key to developing the authentic pink color and intensifying the flavors.
  • Baking soda reacts with the tea and spices to create the signature pink hue; do not skip this step.
  • You can adjust the sweetness to your taste with sugar or honey.
  • This tea can be enjoyed hot during colder days or iced as a refreshing summer beverage.
  • Using whole milk gives the best creamy texture, but you may substitute with plant-based milk if preferred.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Kashmiri

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/kashmiri-pink-chai-noon-tea-recipe/