Kahwa (Kashmiri Green Tea with Saffron, Cardamom and Almonds)
A fragrant, golden-green tea simmered with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and saffron, then topped with sliced almonds. It is served without milk and is lovely after a heavy meal or on a cold evening.
Ingredients
Equipment: Medium saucepan, fine strainer, small bowl, 4 small cups or glasses
Method
Crush the saffron strands between your fingers into a small bowl, add 2 tbsp warm water and set aside to bloom. It should turn deep orange-gold.
Pour the water into a medium saucepan. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Lower the heat and simmer gently until the water turns pale golden and smells strongly of spice.
Switch off the heat and let the bubbling settle for 30 seconds. Add the green tea leaves and the saffron with its soaking water, then stir once.
Cover and steep for 2 to 3 minutes only. The tea should be a clear yellow-green; longer steeping turns it bitter.
Strain into a warm teapot or straight into cups. Stir in the honey, a little at a time, until lightly sweet.
Scatter sliced almonds and rose petals, if using, over each cup and serve hot.
Cooking tips
- Do not boil the green tea leaves. Add them off the heat so the tea stays smooth and not harsh.
- Add honey after straining and slightly cooling, as very hot liquid dulls its flavour.
- Crush cardamom pods just before using so the aroma is strongest.
- For a stronger spice flavour, let the spices simmer 2 minutes longer before adding the tea.
Substitutions
- Replace honey with sugar, jaggery or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Use 4 green tea bags instead of loose leaves; remove them after steeping.
- If saffron is unavailable, use a small pinch of turmeric for colour, though the flavour will differ.
- Swap almonds for chopped pistachios.
Serve with
"Serve in small cups after a rich meal such as biryani or karahi, or with dry fruit, walnuts, or plain biscuits on a winter afternoon."
Storage
Best fresh. Strain any leftovers and refrigerate in a covered jar for up to 1 day, keeping almonds separate.
Reheating
Warm gently in a saucepan until steaming, without boiling. It can also be served over ice.
Nutrition per serving, estimated
Estimated from the ingredient list. Values vary with brands and portion size.
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