Traditional Kashmiri Chai

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp green tea leaves (preferably Kashmiri tea leaves)
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 cardamom pods
• 1-2 cloves
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1-2 cups milk (full-fat milk preferred)
• 2-3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• Chopped pistachios and almonds (for garnishing)
• A pinch of ground saffron (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and add Kashmiri tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
2. Add a pinch of baking soda to enhance the color and allow the tea to boil for 5-10 minutes.
3. Add milk to the pot and let the tea simmer until the color turns a deep pink.
4. Add sugar and mix well. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
5. Strain the tea into cups and garnish with chopped pistachios, almonds, and a pinch of saffron.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic, rich Kashmiri Chai.