SAEDNEWS: Karak Tea: A Beloved Arabic-Inspired Drink with a Rich and Comforting Flavor
According to Saednews, Karak tea is a rich, aromatic drink made with black tea, milk (or tea creamer), and warming spices. It is sweetened with sugar and, in some variations, caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
2 cups milk
2 star anise pods
6 cloves
6 cups water
A pinch of saffron
6 cardamom pods
Sugar, to taste
2 tablespoons black tea
A small amount of fresh ginger, to taste
2 small cinnamon sticks
20 minutes
Pour the water into a kettle or saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Bring it to a boil.
Once the water boils, add the sugar and stir.
Add the black tea and mix well.
Add the cardamom pods. Cardamom gives karak tea its distinctive and delicious aroma.
Add the cloves.
Add the star anise and stir the mixture.
Add the cinnamon sticks.
Grate a small amount of fresh ginger and add it to the tea.
Add the saffron.
Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add the milk and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
Once the tea becomes smooth and well combined, strain it through a tea strainer or fine sieve and serve hot.
In the traditional version of karak tea, tea creamer or evaporated-style tea milk is often used instead of regular milk. However, because it may not be readily available in some places, regular milk can be used.
To store karak tea, strain it and transfer it to a thermos or insulated flask.
Milk can easily boil over, so keep an eye on the pot after adding it.
If camel milk is available where you live, you can use it for a richer and thicker karak tea.
Honey can be used instead of sugar.
If you do not have star anise, you can leave it out, although it adds a pleasant depth of flavor.
Dried ginger can be used instead of fresh ginger.
For garnish, sprinkle the tea with ground cinnamon or cocoa powder, or add some grated chocolate.
The quantities of the ingredients can be adjusted according to your taste and desired strength.
