SHEER CHAI/ PINK TEA

Kashmir is known as the ‘Heaven of Earth’s because of its beautiful lakes, mountains & valleys and it’s cuisine is also heavenly.
Sheer chai, also known as Noon Chai or Pink tea, is a traditional tea of Kashmir. The Kashmiri people have it 2-3 times a day with kashmir breads. It is made of special tea leaves & pinch of baking soda which gives pink colour to tea.

Preparation time : 5 minutes
Cooking time : 25 minutes
Serves : 2 persons

Ingredients:
1 tsp Kashmiri tea/green tea
Pinch of baking soda
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 tsp almond silvers
1/4 tsp pistachio silvers
1/4 tsp sugar ( optional )
1.5 cup milk
3 cup water
Fresh cream for garnish

Method:
1. In a sauce pan, add tea & one cup water and let it boil. Once it starts boiling add baking soda and let it boil.

2. When it’s quantity is reduced to half add cardamom powder, salt, sugar and one cup water and let it boil, stir occasionally.

3. After a while, add one cup water and boil again till tea turns deep reddish brown, stir occasionally.

4. When you notice colour of tea deep reddish brown , take 1 tbsp of boiling tea in a bowl and add few drops of milk. If the colour changes to pink, then it’s right time to add milk, else boil for more few minutes.

5. Then add milk ,the colour of tea will turn to pink. Boil for one minute.
6. Turn off the flame & strain tea in a cup.

7. Add dollops of fresh cream and sprinkle almond and pistachio silvers. Serve hot.

Note:
1. Can skip sugar if you don’t like.
2. Can add cream with milk.