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GreekAuthentic Cuisine

Mountain Tea

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Mountain Tea

Mountain Tea, or "Tsai tou Vounou," is a staple brew in Greek mountain villages, where the air is crisp and the olive oil flows generously. Traditionally enjoyed during chilly mornings or serene afternoons, this tea is a warm embrace against the cool mountain breeze. It's a drink that brings comfort, infused with the essence of the rugged landscape where it grows wild.

The taste is a delicate balance — the subtle earthiness of dried sideritis melds with a hint of honey's sweetness, all brightened by a squeeze of fresh lemon. It's a soothing cup, meant to be savored slowly, allowing the gentle flavors to unfold with each sip, a quiet reflection of Greece's natural bounty.

Ingredients

  • 1 handfuldried sideritis mountain tea
  • 500 mlwater
  • to tastehoney
  • lemon — optional

Method

  1. Start by bringing 500 ml of water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a saucepan that allows the water to circulate freely around the tea for optimal flavor extraction.
  2. Once the water reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add a handful of dried sideritis mountain tea to the hot water. Ensure the tea is fully submerged to allow the flavors to infuse properly.
  3. Cover the saucepan with a lid to trap the steam and essential oils. Let the tea steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the water takes on a light golden hue and the aroma of the mountain tea is robust and fragrant.
  4. Strain the tea into a teapot or directly into serving cups, using a fine mesh strainer to catch the tea leaves. This ensures a clear and smooth tea without any loose leaves.
  5. Sweeten the tea to taste with honey, stirring gently to dissolve completely. The honey should complement the herbal notes of the tea without overpowering them.
  6. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to each cup, adjusting to your preference. The lemon adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the earthy flavors of the mountain tea.
  7. Serve the mountain tea immediately in traditional Greek glassware if available, to enhance the authentic experience. Enjoy it alongside meze for a complete Greek café or taverna tradition.
Cover of Authentic Greek Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Greek Cuisine

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

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