wandering through the lively by-lanes of the middle east's urban hubs, one can't help but get a whiff of something enticing – the aromatic blend of spices and tea brewing till late evening. well…that’s karak chai, a beverage always in demand!
a variant of masala tea from the indian sub-continent, karak chai originated in the middle east and has now made its mark down under. as one would expect, the rich and creamy texture, and the aroma of the spices enjoy good popularity here.
in this guide, we'll take you through the steps to create your own comforting cup of karak tea, bringing a taste of cultural fusion right into your kitchen.
what is karak chai?
ask any tea lover from the middle east or the indian subcontinent, and their smile will tell you everything – that's the karak chai effect!
and there’s a good reason for the joy it brings. karak tea is an incredible drink made by brewing black tea with spices and creamy evaporated milk. this caramel-coloured tea is not only delicious and creamy but also incredibly comforting. and don't worry, the spices are not overpowering!
if you’ve tried masala tea (also known as chai tea), you’d find karak chai very familiar – except that this one is made with fewer spices.
so, if you're ready to treat yourself to something amazing, karak tea is the way to go.
how to make karak tea?
now that you know what it is, let's learn how to make karak chai. we've kept it super simple – just a few basic ingredients are all you need to make this tea.
Total Servings:-
4
Preparation Time:-
1 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
10 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
172 calories, 10g fat, 13g carbs, 9g protein
Recipe Category:-
beverage
Cuisine:-
middle east
equipment required:
- saucepan or brewing pot
- strainer
ingredients:
- 4 teapigs black tea bags (your choice)
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups of evaporated milk
- 8 cardamom pods (crushed)
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 2” long)
- pinch of saffron threads (6-8)
- sugar (adjust to taste)
instructions
boil water: get fresh water in a saucepan or tea kettle and bring it to a boil.
add black teabags: once the water is boiling, add 4 teapigs black tea bags of your choice to the saucepan. also add crushed cardamom pods and a cinnamon stick for extra flavour. you can add other spices also at this point.
add evaporated milk: add the evaporated milk into the mix, then bring it back to a boil. reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 6-10 minutes.
simmer: let it simmer until the tea thickens up a bit. during this step, you might see a little skin forming on the top – no worries, we'll take care of that later!
strain and serve: once ready, strain the tea into cups or glasses and serve hot.
tips for perfecting your karak chai
although we've covered all the essential steps on how to make karak chai, we also recommend these additional tips to help you achieve perfection:
- pre-milk brewing. remember not to leave the teabags (or leaves) boiling for too long – just a quick 30 to 40 seconds is enough before you add the milk. boiling for longer might make your tea taste bitter, so keep it short!
- milk ratio. adjust the amount of evaporated milk to achieve your desired level of creaminess. usually, adding too much milk alters the taste, resulting in an overpoweringly milky taste.
- custom spice blend. experiment with the spices used, to find your perfect balance. add more cardamom, cinnamon or other spices until you zero in on the right taste for you.
- getting the right consistency. a common challenge while making this tea is achieving the right thickness and consistency of the tea. it should neither be too watery, nor too thick! the key is to simmer the tea mixture on low heat for an adequate amount of time until it’s just right.
- other challenges might crop up from steeping time and the spices used. keep an eye on both or you might end up with a brew that's too bitter, lacking in depth or spicier than desired for a good karak tea.
serving and enjoying karak tea
while knowing how to make karak chai is essential, getting a hang of serving and enjoying this tea completes the experience. however, there are no rules! these tips serve as helpful guidelines and the only rule that goes with karak tea is to keep it casual and enjoyable.
serving style: this tea is traditionally served hot in small glasses as the visual appeal enhances the overall enjoyment of the tea. however, it can also be served in cups. feel free to get creative and serve it in your favourite mug or teacup – there are no limitations.
serving temperature: ensure your tea is served piping hot. this not only enhances the flavours but also adds to the comforting feeling of sipping on a warm beverage.
snacks: pair your tea with some delicious snacks to make tea-time more enjoyable. for a taste of the middle eastern flair, consider pairing your tea with a selection of veggie fritters, samosas (a popular savoury treat), dates, baklava or biscuits. or switch things up with some savoury pastries, vegemite on toast or a slice of cake for a tasty change!
enjoy with mates: karak chai is best enjoyed with friends and loved ones. invite them over for a laid-back karak tea party – that’s how it’s meant to be enjoyed. you can even have an outdoor chai experience by setting up in your garden or balcony. remember to keep it simple – all you need are some glasses, snacks and, of course, tea.
conclusion
and there you have it! now you know exactly how to make karak chai like a pro. with just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can recreate this beloved middle eastern beverage right in your own kitchen.
while the recipe is enough to make a great batch of this tea, our tips will come in handy for a perfect one every time you make it! beyond a few technical aspects, making this recipe is a delightful sensory experience – from infusing the aromatic spices to achieving the soothing caramel colour and finally enjoying this amazing drink.
but why take our word for it? go ahead and give it a try yourself!
faqs on karak chai
q. what makes karak tea different from regular chai?
a. karak tea differs from regular chai in its bold flavour, amazing aroma and deeper caramel colour. the spices and creamy milk give it a warm and comforting profile which is usually missing in regular tea. while milder in spice than masala tea, it still offers a satisfying warmth.
q. can i use alternative spices in my karak chai?
a. while the classic recipe of karak tea usually includes a mix of cardamom and cinnamon, you can always experiment with alternative spices like cloves, ginger or nutmeg. it’s easy to customise it by adjusting the spice factor – just remember to balance those flavours.
q. how do i adjust the sweetness level?
a. to tweak the sweetness level in the tea, the trick is to control the amount of sugar you add. start with a smaller quantity and work your way up if needed. for example, start with just half the usual amount and then gradually increase it until the sweetness level is just right.
q. is it possible to make karak tea without condensed milk?
a. karak chai is usually made with unsweetened evaporated milk, instead of condensed milk. however, there’s no restriction – feel free to use your preferred alternatives like regular milk or non-dairy options. just remember to tweak the quantities to achieve that perfect creamy texture while balancing the flavours.
