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Colombian Spiced Tea 2

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Colombian Spiced Tea 2

Colombian Spiced Tea 2 is a cherished staple on home tables across Colombia, where it's crafted with a touch of intuition. Here, the salt is measured by feel, and the richness comes from a generous hand with the fat. This is the home version, not a restaurant adaptation, capturing the essence of how families truly enjoy it. It's a reflection of the everyday comfort and warmth found in Colombian kitchens, prepared for spontaneous gatherings or a quiet afternoon pause.

The tea should envelop you in its soothing embrace, where the familiar warmth of spices mingles with the subtle sweetness of sugar. Each sip is a gentle reminder of the balance between bold flavors and tender comfort, inviting you to savor the moment. Whether shared among friends or savored alone, this tea encourages a moment of pause, a brief escape into the heart of Colombian home life.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsptea leaves
  • 500 mlwater
  • to tastespices
  • to tastesugar

Method

  1. Start by bringing 500 ml of water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Use medium heat to ensure the water heats evenly without evaporating too quickly, which could alter the flavor balance of the tea.
  2. Once the water reaches a gentle boil, add 2 tablespoons of tea leaves. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to ensure the leaves are fully submerged and begin to release their flavor. The water should take on a slightly darker hue as the tea infuses.
  3. Add spices to taste, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise, depending on your preference. These spices should be added whole to prevent them from overpowering the tea. Stir gently to combine, allowing the spices to release their aroma into the liquid.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. During this time, the tea will develop a rich, spiced aroma. The liquid should have a deep, amber color, indicating that the flavors have melded together nicely.
  5. Taste the tea and add sugar to your liking, stirring until it dissolves completely. The sweetness should complement the spices without overwhelming them, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  6. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the tea into a teapot or directly into serving glasses to remove the tea leaves and spices, ensuring a smooth drink.
  7. Serve the Colombian Spiced Tea 2 immediately in traditional glassware, such as small clear glasses, to showcase its beautiful color. Enjoy it while it's warm, allowing the full spectrum of spices and tea flavors to be appreciated.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Colombian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Colombian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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