Karak Chai
Make this caramelized karak chai and let its soothing flavors melt away your worries.
Servings 2 cups
Calories 114kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon sugar use less if skipping caramelization.
- 2¼ cups water
- 2½ teaspoon black tea leaves adjust if needed
- 4 pods of green cardamom crushed to open and expose seeds
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk unflavoured
optional add-ins
- 1.5 inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated or crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon saffron
Instructions
Caramelize sugar (optional step)
- Keep the water close to you before starting. To caramelize sugar, heat sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir as needed until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Pour water immediately. (Tip: If you find sugar from the sides burning at any point, add in water immediately.)
- Bring the mixture to a boil. If sugar hardens, it's ok. It will melt afterward.
- Combine the tea, cardamom and add-in spices (if using) in the saucepan, and continue to boil.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then add the evaporated milk.
- Increase the heat and bring the tea to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce the heat and let it simmer for a second, then again increase the heat and bring it to a rolling boil, immediately switch off the heat. (Tip: Be alert for this step to avoid spilling. )
- Strain and serve.
Video
Notes
- Karak chai is best stored in a thermos flask and consumed within 4 hours. If storing longer then let it cool and store it in a steel or glass vessel for 24 hours. While it is still safe to consume after 24 hours, it is not considered a healthy practice for regular consumption.
- Black tea: Good quality tea leaves are the key to making good tea.
- Milk: Use evaporated milk here as that adds richness to the tea. If using full-fat milk, check the expert tips above in the post.
- Sugar: 4 tablespoons sugar might seem too much, but it isn't. The caramelization reduces the sweetness of sugar so it tastes just right.
- Spices: Cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, and ginger add a warm aroma and intensify the karak flavor of chai. If unsure use only cardamom.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 103IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 0.5mg