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Lebanese Spiced Tea

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Lebanese Spiced Tea

Lebanese Spiced Tea is a cherished staple of home kitchens, often brewed to warm the soul as the afternoon light softens. While it doesn’t mark a specific holiday or festivity, it accompanies the quiet moments of reflection or the lively conversations that stretch over a leisurely afternoon. This tea is crafted with a touch of tradition, where each household might add its own secret blend of spices, making every pot unique.

Expect a deep, comforting flavor with just the right hint of sweetness and spice, enveloping your senses with each sip. The tea leaves lend a robust base, while the spices weave through with warmth and complexity. Sugar balances the infusion, allowing you to savor the depth of flavors as they unfold. It's a simple pleasure, to be enjoyed as is, or with a side of conversation.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by bringing 500 ml of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Use a saucepan with a lid to ensure the tea brews properly and retains its heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat to prevent over-extraction of the tea leaves.
  2. Measure 2 tablespoons of tea leaves and add them to the hot water. Stir gently to ensure the leaves are fully submerged. This gentle stirring helps release the flavors without making the tea bitter.
  3. Add spices to taste, such as cardamom, cinnamon, or cloves, directly into the saucepan. These spices should complement the tea without overpowering it, so start with a small pinch and adjust according to your preference. Stir once more to incorporate the spices evenly.
  4. Cover the saucepan with its lid and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes. The tea is ready when it has a rich, amber color and a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen. This indicates that the flavors have melded together harmoniously.
  5. Taste the tea and add sugar to taste, stirring until fully dissolved. The sugar should balance the spices and tea, creating a smooth and well-rounded flavor profile.
  6. Strain the tea into a teapot or directly into traditional Lebanese glassware, ensuring no tea leaves or spices remain. This step is crucial for a clean presentation and to prevent the tea from becoming overly spiced.
  7. Serve the Lebanese Spiced Tea immediately while it's hot, allowing the aromas to be fully appreciated. Enjoy it with friends or family, embracing the communal spirit of Lebanese dining.
Cover of Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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