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ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Jasmine Tea

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine Tea, a staple in Chinese teahouses, is prepared with a careful hand and a generous spirit. This home version captures the essence of those bustling spaces, translating the communal charm into a family setting. It’s a brew that brings together the warmth of tradition with the simplicity of everyday life, made with just a few key ingredients and a touch of intuition.

The result is a fragrant infusion where the floral notes of jasmine dance lightly on the palate, balanced by a hint of sweetness. Each sip should feel like a gentle embrace, warming the senses and inviting a moment of calm reflection.

Ingredients

  • 2 tspjasmine tea leaves
  • 500 mlhot water
  • sugar — optional

Method

  1. Start by bringing 500 ml of water to a boil in a kettle or a saucepan. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat and let it sit for about 1 minute. This brief pause allows the water temperature to drop slightly, which is ideal for brewing delicate jasmine tea leaves without scorching them.
  2. Measure 2 teaspoons of jasmine tea leaves and place them into a teapot or a heatproof glass pitcher. Ensuring accurate measurement is crucial to maintain the traditional balance of flavor and aroma.
  3. Pour the slightly cooled hot water over the jasmine tea leaves in the teapot or pitcher. Cover the vessel with a lid or a small plate to trap the steam and aromas. Allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength. The tea is ready when it releases a fragrant, floral aroma that fills the air.
  4. If desired, add sugar to taste. Start with a small amount, stirring gently with a spoon to dissolve it completely. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can cause the delicate aromas to dissipate.
  5. Once the tea has reached your desired flavor and sweetness, pour it immediately into small teacups or traditional Chinese glassware. Serving it right away ensures that the tea retains its optimal temperature and aromatic qualities.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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