Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Adeni Chai recipe offers a harmonious blend of bold flavors and comforting creaminess. The infusion of cardamom, cloves, and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg imparts a warm, spiced aroma that complements the strength of the black tea. The addition of evaporated milk provides a luscious texture, making each sip a soothing experience. Whether enjoyed on a chilly morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this tea is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 4 black tea bags
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom or 8 crushed cardamom pods
- 4 cloves (optional)
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 cup evaporated milk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium teapot or saucepan, add the water, sugar, loose black tea, ground cardamom, cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Bring to Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and add the evaporated milk. Let the tea simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent overflow and ensure the flavors meld together.
- Strain and Serve: Once the tea has reached your desired strength and flavor, remove it from heat. Strain the tea into cups to remove the tea leaves and spices. Serve hot.
For an iced version, allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then pour over a cup filled with ice. Add more milk if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 cups of Adeni Chai.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Spice Blend: Experiment with additional spices such as star anise or ginger for a unique flavor profile.
- Milk Alternatives: While evaporated milk provides a rich creaminess, you can substitute it with whole milk, half-and-half, or for a non-dairy option, use almond or oat milk.
- Tea Strength: Increase or decrease the amount of tea used to achieve your preferred strength.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow any leftover tea to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, pour the desired amount into a saucepan and warm over low heat until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe mug in the microwave until warm.
FAQs
What is Adeni Chai?
Adeni Chai, also known as Karak Milk Tea, is a spiced tea originating from Yemen and popular throughout the Middle East. It combines strong black tea with spices like cardamom and cloves, sweetened with sugar, and enriched with evaporated milk.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or half-and-half. However, evaporated milk offers a creamier texture and richer flavor that is traditional in Adeni Chai.
Is it necessary to add all the spices listed?
While cardamom is essential for the authentic flavor, the addition of cloves and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg is optional and can be adjusted based on your personal preference.
How can I make a dairy-free version of Adeni Chai?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the evaporated milk with plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and creaminess of the tea.
Can I prepare Adeni Chai in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Adeni Chai in advance. After brewing, allow it to cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
How do I prevent the tea from overflowing while simmering?
To prevent the tea from overflowing, simmer it over low heat and stir every 30 seconds. Keeping a close eye on the tea during simmering will help manage any potential overflow.
What type of black tea is best for Adeni Chai?
Loose black tea is traditionally used for Adeni Chai. However, black tea bags, such as Lipton, can also be used as a convenient alternative.
Can I serve Adeni Chai cold?
Yes, Adeni Chai can be served iced. After brewing, allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then pour over ice. You may add additional milk or sweet
Print
Karak Milk Tea
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This authentic Adeni Chai recipe delivers a rich and aromatic spiced tea experience. Infused with cardamom, cloves, and a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg, this Yemeni tea offers bold flavors balanced by the creaminess of evaporated milk. Perfect for chilly mornings or an afternoon treat, this homemade Karak tea is easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 4 black tea bags
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom or 8 crushed cardamom pods
- 4 cloves (optional)
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a teapot or saucepan, add water, sugar, black tea, ground cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Bring to Boil: Heat over medium-high until it reaches a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, add evaporated milk, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Strain & Serve: Once brewed to desired strength, remove from heat, strain into cups, and serve hot.
- For Iced Adeni Chai: Let the tea cool, then pour over ice and add extra milk if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sugar levels for preferred sweetness.
- Substitute evaporated milk with whole milk, half-and-half, or plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently without boiling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: tea
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
