Discovering India’s Finest Tea Recipes

A cup of tea in India is more than just a beverage; it’s an emotion that goes beyond every aspect of life. There is not a single gathering that is complete with ‘chai’, be it office meetings, social meetups, family functions or just two people sitting together having hearty chats.

But beyond the regular milk, sugar and tea concoction that everyone is so fond of, there are at least a hundred, if not more, distinct varieties of tea that people in India drink.

Let me take you on the ride of discovering ten of the best tea recipes from the bustling streets of India.

Honey Ginger Tea

How about trying a cosy cup of Honey Ginger Tea? It’s super easy to make. Just start with two cups of water, bring it to a nice rolling boil, and then toss in a generous tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. Let it all bubble away for about two minutes.

Now, pour that lovely brew through a strainer into your favourite cups. To sweeten things up a bit, stir in a teaspoon of honey, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, add a tablespoon of zesty lemon juice.

The lemon not only gives it a tangy twist but also packs a punch of vitamin C – cheers to a warm and healthy sip!

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Butterfly Pea Flower, also fondly referred to as Aprajita in Indian homes. These beautiful blooms are packed with antioxidants, making them a fantastic choice for those looking to improve their heart health, manage diabetes, and even aid in constipation.

Plus, the best part is that the recipe is so simple that even a little one can whip it up!

Grab about four to five of these lovely Aprajita flowers, whether they’re fresh or dried, and toss them into a pot of hot, steaming water. Let the magic happen as they infuse their goodness.

After about 5 minutes, strain out those flowers, and if you’re feeling a bit fancy, add a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of honey to make the taste even more spectacular. Sip on this cup of health, and enjoy every revitalising sip!

Jasmine Flower Tea

For a cosy evening treat, just take some jasmine flowers, whether fresh or dried and let them simmer in boiling water for 5 minutes. Then, simply strain the tea and savour the soothing aroma and taste. Jasmine tea is a delightful brew lightly scented with fresh jasmine blossoms, giving it that delicate floral flair.

The benefits are not just about the taste – it can help you unwind, stay mentally sharp, boost your immunity, reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and it’s loaded with antioxidants. So, it’s not just a tasty sip but a wellness boost in a cup!

Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass tea is like a health elixir! It’s said to fight off those pesky free radicals, keeping inflammation at bay.

It’s also packed with compounds that soothe inflammation, relieve anxiety, lower cholesterol, prevent infections, boost oral health, ease pain, improve red blood cell levels, and even say goodbye to bloating!

Making it is a breeze – just grab 1-2 lemongrass leaves, chop them into 1-2 inch pieces, and boil a cup of water. Pour that hot water over the lemongrass pieces and let it steep for at least 5 minutes.

Strain the liquid into your favourite teacup. Sip it up, and you’ll feel a minty zing in your mouth. If you’re into a bit of sweetness, add some honey – it’s a real treat!

Lemon Tea

Boil two cups of water, add ½ tsp of tea powder, simmer for two minutes, then strain. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp honey. Sip and enjoy the vitamin C boost and tangy goodness. Perfect for perking up any day!

Masala Chai

Let’s talk about the beloved Masala Chai! In a saucepan, start with a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and toss in your tea leaves. Now, here’s where the fun begins – add your favourite spices like cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and ginger. Crush them up in a mortar and pestle before sprinkling them in.

The spice level? Well, that’s totally up to your taste buds, but I suggest starting mild and spicing it up gradually.

Let the tea leaves and spices mingle in the water for a bit, then pour in a cup of whole milk and let it come to a lovely boil. Once it’s there, lower the heat and let the tea simmer for another 5 minutes. Sweeten the deal with sugar according to your liking, give it a good strain, and savour your piping-hot cup of Masala Chai. Perfect with some Parle-G biscuits or rusks!

Tulsi Tea

For a soothing Tulsi Tea, simply bring two cups of water to a boil and add half a teaspoon of tea and some crushed Tulsi leaves. Let it simmer for a few minutes, strain, add honey, and enjoy. You can also spice up your regular ginger or masala tea with Tulsi leaves.

Orange Tea

Orange Tea is my winter favourite! In a pan, add ginger to two cups of water and bring it to a boil. Toss in ½ teaspoon of tea leaves and let it steep a bit. Pour in some fresh orange juice, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for 2 minutes.

Add two thin orange slices with peel and let them mingle for a bit more. Strain it into your cup, and it’s good to go. No need for sugar, thanks to the natural sweetness of the orange juice. Sip it hot and enjoy the citrusy warmth!

Cardamom Tea

It’s time for a cup of tea magic! Start with a cup of water and bring it to a nice, rolling boil. Then, toss in a teaspoon of tea leaves and some crushed cardamom pods.

Let them dance in the water for two minutes. Now, here’s the creamy twist – add a cup of milk. Sprinkle in your desired amount of sugar and let the tea simmer for a few minutes.

Once it’s all mingled nicely, give it a strain, and you’re ready to enjoy it with your favourite biscuits. Sip, savour, and let the cosy vibes take over!

Kahwa Tea

Let’s try making some Kahwa! You’ll need 2 cups of water, 2 inches of cinnamon, two green cardamoms, two cloves, 5-6 dried rose petals, two tablespoons of sugar, one tablespoon of green tea leaves, 4-5 almonds, and 10-12 saffron strands.

First, fill your pot halfway with water and place it over medium heat. In a separate bowl, crush the spices and add the dried rose petals. Sweeten the mix with sugar.

Once your water comes to a boil, turn off the stove and remove the pot. Add the green tea leaves (or use green tea bags if you prefer) and cover the pot with a lid to let the tea steep and infuse its flavour.

After about 3 minutes, strain the tea into cups. To make it extra special, add 3-4 saffron strands to each cup. Serve it up hot and enjoy your soothing Kahwa!

Conclusion

In India, tea isn’t just a drink; it’s an emotion that transcends every aspect of life. From bustling gatherings to intimate chats, a cup of ‘chai’ is the heart of it all. Beyond the classic milk and sugar brew, India boasts a treasure trove of tea varieties.