
Noon Chai-From the Majestic Valleys of Kashmir
Noon chai also called “Kashmiri tea”, “Pink Tea”, “Gulabi Chai”, “Namkeen Chai”, or “Sheer Chai” is an integral part of daily culture and tradition in Kashmir. It is made with gunpowder tea (green tea leaves rolled into small balls), milk, salt, and baking soda and is prepared in “Samavar”.
The tea gets its beautiful pink color by simmering green tea leaves with baking soda for a long time. The prolonged cooking extends the green chlorophyll color, which turns pink when mixed with baking soda. The making of this tea is a long process that involves precision, depicting an adored ritual in Kashmiri culture.
What distinguishes this tea is its unique flavor. Noon tea has a rich, creamy, buttery, nutty flavor. The texture is slightly thick, and the color is rosy pink. In the local language, the word “Noon” means “Salt.” The addition of salt and baking soda is unique in itself, making this warm cup of chai an extraordinary experience.
Besides adding a refreshing and energizing hint to your day, this tea is popular for its health benefits. If consumed in moderation, it is beneficial for the heart, helps with abdominal disorders, cuts bloating, reduces anxiety and stress, and helps cure colds. This cup feels like a heartfelt embrace on a chilly day.
Making this tea is a long process, and one might not get it right in the first attempt. However, it is worth every effort. For best results, use Kashmiri green tea. If you don’t have it, you can try using regular green tea.
Ingredients:
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- 4-5 cups of water
- 2 tsp of Kashmiri Green tea
- ¼ tsp of baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups milk
- Chopped pistachio, almonds, and cashews
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- ½ inch of cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- Sugar as per your taste
The process of making Noon Chai:
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- Take 1-2 cups of water, and soak the tea leaves in this water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to release the color, and flavor of tea leaves.
- Now take a pan and add about 3-4 cups of water to it. Bring the water to a boil and add cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and baking soda.
- Add the soaked tea leaves to the boiling water and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally, until the color deepens to a pink hue.
- Add chopped nuts at this stage. This will help add a nutty flavor to your tea.
- Sprinkle in salt. Though adding salt to tea is not usual, it is a key ingredient for making Noon Chai as it balances the flavor really well.
- Pour in the milk and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the tea to get its creamy texture besides bringing all the flavors together.
- Now add sugar to your liking and stir well.
- Strain the tea into the cups and serve it hot to captivate the hearts of your loved ones.
What sets Noon chai apart from other teas is its beautiful pink color, creamy texture, and blend of spices. Noon chai is not just a tea, it is a symbol of tradition and a truly amazing and treasured part of Kashmiri culture.
If you ever get a chance to visit Kashmir, don’t forget to sip the silky, rose-hued noon chai from the regal valley of Kashmir. You can also try preparing it at home with the above ingredients and relish this delightful experience on a chilly day.