What Karak Tea is and How to Prepare It
Karak Tea is a distinctive type of tea that originated in Indian cuisine and was introduced to the Gulf countries through trade exchanges. In some regions, Karak Tea is also known as Adeni Tea. The word "Karak" in Urdu means "strong" or "double." Karak Tea has become a popular drink in countries like the UAE, Qatar, Yemen, and Bahrain, where it has become an integral part of daily rituals, similar to Arabic coffee. It is known for its strong flavor and is a low-cost beverage, making it a favorite among people of all backgrounds.
In this article, we'll explore two methods for preparing Karak Tea: the traditional method and the Indian preparation method.
Method 1: Traditional Preparation of Karak Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of loose tea leaves
- 10 cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of saffron
- 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1 cup of liquid milk
Preparation Steps:
- In a pot over medium heat, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden.
- Gradually add water to the caramelized sugar, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Add the tea leaves to the mixture and let it boil for a minute.
- Add the cardamom pods, saffron, grated ginger, and cinnamon, then stir well.
- Pour in the milk and allow the mixture to gently simmer until it becomes well-blended and frothy.
- Strain the tea to remove the spices, pour it into cups, and serve hot.
Method 2: Indian Method for Preparing Karak Tea
Ingredients:
- 300 ml of water
- 2 teaspoons of tea
- 3 teaspoons of sugar (or to taste)
- 6 cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 200 ml of milk (or evaporated milk)
Preparation Steps:
- Bring the water to a boil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the tea and sugar to the water, stirring well until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cardamom pods and cloves, allowing the tea to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and let the tea simmer briefly.
- Strain the tea to remove the spices, pour it into cups, and serve.
Health Warning:
It is important to be mindful of regular consumption of Karak Tea, as it contains a high amount of fat due to the use of whole milk. This could potentially lead to weight gain and fat accumulation in specific areas like the abdomen and hips. Additionally, repeatedly boiling the milk can result in the loss of some of its nutritional value.