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Indonesian Spiced Tea

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Indonesian Spiced Tea

Indonesian Spiced Tea, or "Teh Rempah," is a beloved staple in many Indonesian homes, often enjoyed during the afternoon as a comforting pick-me-up or shared among family and friends during festive occasions. This version, true to the way Indonesian family cooks prepare it, embraces the art of balancing spices and sweetness, creating a brew that's as warm as the hospitality it accompanies.

The tea should envelop you in its aromatic embrace, with each sip revealing layers of earthy tea leaves, subtle warmth from the spices, and just the right hint of sweetness. The salt is added intuitively, a nod to the instinctual cooking style passed down through generations, ensuring each cup is both invigorating and soothing.

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-sized saucepan. Use a saucepan with a lid to help retain the aromas of the spices. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  2. Measure 2 tablespoons of tea leaves and add them to the simmering water. Stir gently to ensure the leaves are fully submerged. This step is crucial for extracting the full flavor of the tea leaves without making the tea too bitter.
  3. Add your choice of spices to the simmering tea. Common spices include cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise, but you can adjust according to your taste preferences. Stir the mixture gently to combine, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors into the tea.
  4. Allow the tea and spices to simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You will know it is ready when the tea takes on a rich, amber color and the aroma of the spices is fully developed and fragrant.
  5. Taste the tea and add sugar to your liking, stirring until it is completely dissolved. The sugar should balance the spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  6. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the tea into a teapot or directly into traditional glassware, ensuring no tea leaves or spices remain in the liquid.
  7. Serve the Indonesian Spiced Tea immediately while it is still warm. Use traditional glassware if available to enhance the authentic experience. Enjoy the tea with family or friends, embracing the communal spirit of Indonesian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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