Kashmiri Pink Tea – Sheer Chai

Kashmiri Pink Tea, also known as Noon Chai or Sheer Chai, is a unique beverage originating from the picturesque valleys of Kashmir. This exquisite tea is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the region. Let’s delve into what makes this tea so special.

First and foremost, Kashmiri Pink Tea boasts a captivating hue that sets it apart from any other tea. Its signature pink color is achieved by the addition of a special ingredient—baking soda. This alkaline substance reacts with the tea leaves, turning the beverage into a delightful shade of pink.

The tea itself is made from green tea leaves, which are carefully brewed in water. But what truly elevates its flavor is the inclusion of a variety of aromatic spices. These spices, such as cinnamon, and cardamom, infuse the tea with a warm and fragrant essence that is both soothing and invigorating.

The taste of Kashmiri Pink Tea is a delightful balance of flavors. It has a slightly salty undertone, which is a departure from the usual sweetness of traditional teas. This flavor profile is complemented by a creamy texture, achieved by the addition of milk during the brewing process.

Kashmiri Pink Tea holds a significant cultural significance in the region. It is commonly served during social gatherings, weddings, and festivals. The tea acts as a symbol of hospitality and is often accompanied by local delicacies like Kashmiri breads and pastries.

Method to Make Kashmiri Pink Tea – Sheer Chai

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri pink tea leaves
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups water
• 5 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 2 cups milk
• Crushed almonds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. First, in a pot set on high heat, add 1 and 1/2 cups of water.

2. Second, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri pink tea leaves to the pot. Stir gently to combine.

3. Third, allow the mixture to come to a boil on high-medium heat. Let it simmer until the water reduces to approximately 1/4 of its original quantity. This process infuses the tea with its signature pink color.

4. Next, add 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 4 cups of water, and the crushed green cardamom pods to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.

5. Allow the mixture to come to a boil again, ensuring the flavors of the cardamom are infused into the tea.

6. Once the tea has reached a boil, pour in 2 cups of milk. This addition will create a creamy texture that perfectly complements the aromatic spices.

7. Stir the tea gently and let it simmer for a few minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil over.

8. As a final touch, add crushed almonds to enhance the taste and presentation of the tea.

9. Finally, strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve into cups or a teapot. This step ensures a smooth and refined texture, free from any loose tea leaves or cardamom pods.

Tried this recipe yet? Moreover, give us a rating, comment below in the reply section and let us know what you think. Also, Follow us on Instagram @Fastcurries and Facebook @Fastcurries

Kashmiri Saffron Tea Chai – Kesar Chai

Kashmiri Haak Aloo – Instant Pot Kale and Potato Curry

Swiss Chard Curry – Instant Pot Kashmiri Haak

Instant Pot Dum Aloo

Instant Pot Kashmiri Rajma

Bottle Gourd and Eggplant

Moreover, try some of our other recipes. Also try some of our  Instant Pot  recipes.

Kashmiri Pink Tea – Sheer Chai

Shilpa

Kashmiri Pink Tea, also known as Noon Chai or Sheer Chai, is a unique beverage originating from the picturesque valleys of Kashmir. This exquisite tea is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the region. Let's delve into what makes this tea so special.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 14 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Side, Snack

Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

  

Prep

• 1 and 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp Kashmiri pink tea leaves (or green tea leaves)

Main Tea

• 4 cups water
• 5 whole green cardamom pods  
• 2 cups milk
• 8 almonds, crushed divided per cup (you can add more per cup)
• 1 tbsp Fresh cream to top off in each cup (optional)

Instructions

 

• In a pot set on high heat, add 1 and 1/2 cups of water.
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri pink tea leaves to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
• Allow the mixture to come to a boil on high-medium heat. Let it simmer until the water reduces to approximately 1/4 of its original quantity. This process infuses the tea with its signature pink color.
• Next, add 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 4 cups of water, and the crushed green cardamom pods to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
• Allow the mixture to come to a boil again, ensuring the flavors of the cardamom are infused into the tea.
• Once the tea has reached a boil, pour in 2 cups of milk. This addition will create a creamy texture that perfectly complements the aromatic spices.
• Stir the tea gently and let it simmer for a few minutes, ensuring it doesn't boil over.

  As a final touch, add crushed almonds in each cup to enhance the taste and presentation of the tea.
• Finally, strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve into cups or a teapot. This step ensures a smooth and refined texture, free from any loose tea leaves or cardamom pods.
• Top of with fresh cream in each cup (optional)

Keyword Kashmiri Chai, Kashmiri Pink Tea, Noon Chai, Pink Tea, Sheer Chai