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EthiopianAuthentic Cuisine

Ginger Tea

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Ginger Tea

Ginger Tea is woven into the fabric of Ethiopian highland mornings, a fragrant invitation that gently stirs households awake. It’s a staple in many homes, brewed with a simplicity that honors the day ahead. Here, the tea is crafted with an emphasis on generosity, offering a shared moment before the day scatters its members in different directions.

Expect a warming embrace of ginger and cinnamon, lifted by the soft sweetness of honey. Each sip is both invigorating and soothing, a balance that mirrors the gentle start of an Ethiopian day. Its direct flavors connect you to the roots of home cooking, uncomplicated and heartfelt.

Ingredients

  • 4 cupswater
  • 4fresh ginger slices — thick
  • 2 tbsphoney — or to taste
  • 1cinnamon stick — optional

Method

  1. Start by placing a medium-sized saucepan on the stove. Pour in 4 cups of water and set the heat to high. Add 4 fresh ginger slices and 1 cinnamon stick to the water. These spices will infuse the water with their flavors as it heats.
  2. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil. You will notice the aroma of ginger and cinnamon filling the kitchen, which indicates that the spices are releasing their essential oils into the water.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and the liquid to take on a slightly golden hue.
  4. If you are using tea leaves, add them now. Stir gently and let the mixture steep for another 3 to 5 minutes. The liquid should become more fragrant and develop a deeper color, indicating that the tea has infused properly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully strain the tea into cups using a fine mesh strainer to catch the ginger slices, cinnamon stick, and any tea leaves.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the strained tea, stirring well to ensure it dissolves completely. The honey will add sweetness and complement the spicy warmth of the ginger and cinnamon.
  7. Serve the ginger tea hot, savoring its inviting aroma and soothing warmth. This comforting beverage is perfect for starting your day or enjoying a relaxing moment.
Cover of Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine

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

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