To make a perfect cup of tea is an art. It’s essential that the leaves are not infused for too long, else, you’ll end up with a bitter, unpalatable brew. At the end of a timed infusion, remove the tea leaves to avoid ruining the taste. Avoid boiling tea over and over again, or using cold milk, as it ruins the flavour. A steaming hot cup of tea is more than a beverage; it’s indeed a healing drink. If you have a cold, drink hot masala tea, lavang (clove) tea, or honey-lemon tea.
Masala tea
Ingredients:
Water: 1 cup
Milk: quarter cup
Sugar to taste
Black tea leaves: 1.5 tsp
Green cardamoms (powdered): 2
Cloves: 2
Cinnamon stick: half-inch piece
Small slice of ginger, grated
A pinch of ground nutmeg
Star anise: 1
Method: In a small saucepan, combine water, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon stick and star anise. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then lower heat and simmer for a few minutes till the aroma is released. Add milk, sugar and tea leaves, and simmer for another minute. Turn off heat and steep for two minutes. Strain and serve hot, garnished with nutmeg powder. (Adjust milk and sugar according to your taste).
Chocolate tea
Ingredients
Water: 1 cup
Tea bag: 1
Unsweetened hot cocoa mix: 1.5 tsp
Sugar to taste
Method: Bring water to boil. Place tea bag in a cup. Pour boiling water into the cup, cover and allow tea to steep for 2-3 minutes. Remove tea bag. Stir in hot cocoa mix. Add sugar and milk, if desired.
Basil tea
Ingredients:
Dried basil leaves: 750 gm
Big cardamom: 250 gm
Brahmi (herb): 250 gm
Aniseed: 250 gm
Red sandalwood: 100 gm
Method: Crush all the above-mentioned ingredients and strain them to get a fine powder. Prepare tea in the normal way with the powder (a spoonful for one cup). Boil water, then add milk and sugar. When fully boiled, add powder and strain the liquid.
