Kashmir Chai
- 29
- January
- 2009
Kashmir Chai:(Cold Version)
Kashmir Chai calls for Saffron, Nutmeg and Almonds/Pistachios besides all the other strong spices. Makes it very unique and rich apart from other Indian Tea varieties. Saffron gives out a distinct aroma and nutmeg gives an earthy flavor. Almonds and pistachios give the crunch.
Masala infused will give a spicy touch! Most of the spices used have healing properties. Ginger, gingeroles present in them promotes good digestion and is a good pain reliever. It has been said ginger also stops motion sickness, during travel. One study claims its effect on arthritis pain. Cloves fight against colds and flu’s and helps to regenerate body heat. Cinnamon is the stimulant for the other herbs. Peppercorns imparts warmth to the body and also promotes digestion. Fennel seeds calms the digestive system. Cardamom is not only a mouth refresher but also stimulates the mind. Mint activates brains cells(releases the Acetylcholine) and improves memory power. Needless to say tea leaves are packed with anti-oxidants which prevents free radical damages and reduces oxidation.
Saffron is said to have several healing properties, stomach ailments, colic and stomach discomfort, prevents nausea and to reduce gas. It is used for acne treatments, Eye disorder, Asthma, Arthritis. Also it is valued for its anti poisonous nature, used in the treatment of bee stings, insect bites etc.
Saffron has powerful antioxidant properties that is, it helps to protect living tissues from free radical damage and reduces oxidation. Even in Ayurvedic text it has been attributed that it has extraordinary properties towards improving eyesight and complexion! It also talks about its property towards rectifying birth defects…in which research is going on to claim it effects. Some studies claim its effect as anti-cancer property! Crocetin and Crocin present in them are reported to promote a good memory power.
Caution: Any goodness has its own demerits and so does the Saffron too. As a low dosage it does have all the above said qualities…but if it is used in excess ‘Saffron’ could be fatal. Too much of saffron consumption is poisonous, besides it has severe abortive properties! In olden days…saffron concoctions were used to do abortion. So pregnant ladies watch out…use them sparingly in your diet, take advise from your physician.
Ingredients:
Black Tea leaves 2 teaspoons
Oraganic Whole Milk 2 cups
Cinnamon 1 small stick
Cloves 2
Cardamom 3 crushed
Ginger 1″ grated
Mint 4-6 leaves bruised
Fennel seeds 1/2 teaspoon
Peppercorns 4-6
All spice powder 1 pinch
Saffron 1 pinch
Nutmeg powder 1 pinch
Almonds/Pistachios grated 2 teaspoons
Honey/ Sugar to taste.
Method:
Throw in all the spices and tea leaves in milk and boil them over low-medium heat for about 7-9 minutes.
Once the bold color is achieved and aroma fills the room, remove from heat and filter the same.
Add honey or sugar to taste. Leave it in the refridgerator for couple of hours.
Garnish with saffron, mint and nuts. Serve chilled.
Wot an innovative Chai Malar..:)looks different n luvly..:)
Btw..r u now able to visit my place?
lovely chai….
Going to search for the ingredients in my kitchen….the pics make me to try this out soon…
looks yummy!
Oh Malar, i can smell it from here…Nice aromatic tea..
I want to have a cup now,please:)
Looks so good!
Wow kashimiri chai is completely new to me, with all these spices they will quite delicious, would love to have them rite now…
wow ! such a wonderful aromatic tea.Looks ….healthy too ..thanks for sharing
Wow..Wants me to drink from the photo..Thank You for sharing this mouthwatering chai..
Yummy aromatic spicy chai.I can smell from here.
didnt know that saffron has negative effects too, Thanks for thr info. lovely chai out there
Ooh! That is some Chai, so flavorful! Almost like drinking kheer, huh? Looks good!
)
I really like having chai in the afternoon, mine is very simple. Your chai sounds very delicious and aromatic.
Cheers,
Elra
Oh, how I would love a glass of this right now! Great website! I think I’ll surprise my fiance with those vegetable kebabs this weekend. Thanks Malar!
I am definitely going to make this. This recipe is another keeper! Thanks!
Chai looks cool Malar,Am not a tea person,but will try this for my husband who loves tea:)
Wow, what a combination of spices! And the way you have presented it makes it more appetizing..
Got to try this for sure!
Oh my! I’d love to get my hands on some of this right now! I love all the flavors here, I’m defenitely going to try this chai. But I’m wondering if its good warm?
Chai is soooooo flavorful.Am not a tea person,but I tasted this chai in oe of my kashmiri friend’s home.I love the aromaticof this chai. yours chaiis mouth watering dear:)
Look like milk sweet, very different tea!
wow! that’s quite a lot ingredients to go in. very new to me!! true, ur warning about saffron is apt since a lot of women can go overboard drinking saffron milk in a so called attempt to bear fair babies!
Very interesting & different. Will try soon:)
Wow spicy chai..Love to have this in winter
Wow, great… I want to try this!
Hey the Kashmir chai sound interesting, will surely try