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Colombian Spiced Tea

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Colombian Spiced Tea

Colombian Spiced Tea, a cherished staple on Colombian home tables, is a warm embrace in a cup. It is prepared with a generous touch, embodying the spirit of home cooking, where salt is judged by hand and fat is used freely. This is not a dish for special occasions but a comforting presence in everyday life, a nod to the Colombian way of turning simple ingredients into something special.

The tea is a symphony of flavors, with the richness of tea leaves brewed to perfection, intertwined with a harmonious blend of spices and a hint of sweetness. Each sip offers a comforting warmth, the spices dancing lightly on the palate, while the sugar balances the boldness of the brew. It's an invitation to pause and savor the small joys of life, Colombian style.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by boiling 500 ml of water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Use a saucepan with a lid to help retain the heat and aromas. Once you see a steady stream of steam rising and hear a gentle bubbling, the water is ready for the next step.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of tea leaves to the boiling water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to ensure the leaves are fully submerged. This will allow the tea to release its full flavor and aroma, creating a rich base for your spiced tea.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the tea should develop a deep amber color and a fragrant aroma, indicating that the flavors have been properly extracted.
  4. Carefully measure and add your chosen spices to the simmering tea. Common choices include cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom, but feel free to adjust to your taste. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed without losing their volatile oils to excessive heat.
  5. Taste the tea and add sugar to your preference, stirring until it dissolves completely. The sugar should balance the spices without overpowering them, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  6. Once the sugar is dissolved and the spices are well integrated, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the tea to sit for a minute, letting the flavors meld together.
  7. Strain the tea into a teapot or directly into traditional glassware, using a fine mesh strainer to catch the tea leaves and spices. Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors while the tea is still warm.
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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