Chai limeade –Tandoori chai, a unique tea experience that is gaining popularity in India, beautifully marries tradition with innovation. This tea trend showcases a method of preparing chai that involves heating the tea in a clay cup, providing a smoky flavor that is both distinct and delightful. Below, we delve into the details of this emerging trend, highlighting its preparation, ingredients, and cooking instructions.
Tandoori Chai: A Flavorful Fusion
The journey of tandoori chai begins with the excitement of a traditional Indian culinary technique. The process involves first heating clay cups in a tandoor, allowing the tea to take on an earthy, smoky taste.
Ingredients for Tandoori Chai
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of loose black tea leaves
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom pods (2-3, crushed)
- Clay cups (for the tandoor)
Preparing Tandoori Chai
The preparation of tandoori chai is as much about the experience as it is about the flavor. Here are the steps to create this innovative tea:
- Preheat your tandoor or a clay oven. If you don’t have one, you can use an oven to heat the clay cups.
- In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the black tea leaves and crushed cardamom pods to the boiling water. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the flavors.
- After simmering, add milk and sugar to the tea mixture and continue to boil for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches the desired strength and creaminess.
- While your tea is boiling, place the clay cups into the tandoor to heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are hot and slightly smoky.
- Remove the hot clay cups from the tandoor with care. Pour the brewed tea mixture into the clay cups, allowing the tea to splash against the walls of the cups to enhance the smoky flavor.
- For an extra touch, you can repeat the pouring process between two cups to aerate the tea. This enhances the flavor while creating a beautiful head of froth.
Tandoori chai is not just a beverage; it is a sensory experience that captures the essence of Indian culture. Enjoy this unique tea experience hot, and savor the smoky aroma and rich flavors that it brings to the table.