Most of my friends know I drink neither tea or coffee. For me a cup of hot green tea occasionally is what I prefer, sans sugar. So, while visiting friends / relatives around tea time (which in itself happens very rarely, Sshshhhh), they are quite flummoxed as to what beverage to offer me. What I do like is an occasional cup of Green Tea, Kashmiri Kahwa or our recent favourite - Kerala Kattan Chaaya(Malabar style spiced Black tea)
I really dont miss the tea or coffee, but they seem more concerned I don't drink any tea at all, while its actually a ritual (tea making and drinking) in most Indian houses. Darjeeling Tea, Assam Tea, Black Tea, Tapri Chai (mumbai style) .. so many many varieties that books and volumes are written upon this chai-drinking culture 🙂
Me - am just happy with a handful of nuts or a light Sundal (steamed salad) around tea time.. it really doesn't bother me otherwise, unless of course someone's making Chaat for me 🙂 Then I really get into the act and indulge in a bowl of spicy Chaat :p
So, while the tea drinkers at home prefer Masala Chai (recipe coming soon), a friend of mine -lets call her 'R' - loves this Cardamom Tea (or Elaichi Chai). Its her perk up cup every morning. I got this recipe from her and make it when she comes over for a quick chat at home.
The pics show just before they were served and I havent edited or added any props (just for the simple tea drinking chat up we had), and although the recipe is pretty simple, I was keen to post it here as a keepsake.
Its a milky tea, different from what I make at home and she takes a little more sugar. This is for my friend R, who loves this 🙂
Prep and cook time : 5 mins, Serves : 2
Ingredients:
- Water - ½ cup
- Milk - 1 cup
- Elaichi - 2 pods
- Sugar - 2 tsp
- Tea Leaves - 1 tsp
Method:
- Bring water to a rolling boil. Add tea leaves and boil for 1 min more. Add elaichi pods, sugar and milk and boil for ½ more min. Close the vessel without straining. Let it steep for 5 mins.
- Strain and serve hot immediately.
rajani says
I was with you on the no coffee, no tea team. But ditched it in the past couple of years. I still don't drink it on a daily basis, but do join others whenever they make tea. And after coming to US, I make tea just to stand near the heat :D. And it's always elaichi tea for me 🙂
Sowmya :) says
Elaichi tea was a major reason why I switched from coffee to tea. One of my all time favorites!
Ms.Chitchat says
My favorite too.
Priya Suresh says
All time favourite,my hubby's favourite elaichi tea..
Pavani says
I rarely drink tea, but when I do enjoy tea occasionally when we have family or friends over. Your recipe is usually how I make it when I do 🙂
Harini R says
Love this tea.
Suma Gandlur says
I too am not a coffee/tea person but though my husband is almost addicted to them. 🙂
Elaichiwali Chai is prepared the same way in my home too.
Srivalli says
I am not a tea person, though I make the tea with elaichi all the time..
Gayathri Kumar says
Elaichi adds a nice flavour to tea. I just add some in my tea too..
cookingwithsapana says
I drink everyday elaichi tea in morning and evening.If elaichi are finish sometimes I won't even attempt to make the tea.Looks nice.
Chef Mireille says
wow thats a lot of milk for tea - but would be nice and rich for sure