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Thai Spiced Tea

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Thai Spiced Tea

Thai Spiced Tea, known locally as "Cha Yen," is a cherished brew that finds its place in Thai homes as a comforting companion to meals or a soothing afternoon reprieve. This home-style version reflects the essence of Thai hospitality, where the taste is curated by instinct rather than strict measurements. The generous use of spices and a touch of sweetness make it a beloved fixture on tables, especially during relaxed family gatherings.

The tea offers a delightful balance of robust and aromatic flavors, with each sip delivering a warm embrace of spices followed by subtle sweetness. The richness of the brew comes from the careful blend of tea leaves and spices, creating a soothing yet invigorating experience. It's a drink to linger over, encouraging conversation and connection at the table.

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 saucepan over medium-high heat. The water should be bubbling steadily but not vigorously, which ensures that the tea will steep properly without becoming bitter.
  2. Once the water reaches a gentle boil, add 2 tablespoons of tea leaves to the saucepan. Stir gently to ensure the leaves are fully submerged, allowing them to release their flavor evenly into the water.
  3. Add your choice of spices to taste. Common options include star anise, cardamom, or cinnamon. Stir the mixture gently to combine, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. The tea should develop a rich, aromatic scent, indicating the spices are infusing well.
  4. Taste the tea and add sugar to your preference, stirring until it dissolves completely. The sweetness should balance the spices without overpowering them, creating a harmonious blend.
  5. Once the tea has reached your desired flavor, remove the saucepan from heat and strain the tea into a teapot or directly into serving glasses. This will remove the tea leaves and spices, leaving a smooth, spiced liquid.
  6. If you prefer chilled Thai Spiced Tea, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill until cold, then serve in traditional glassware over ice for a refreshing experience.
  7. Serve the Thai Spiced Tea immediately in small glasses, as is traditional. The tea should be aromatic with a balanced sweetness and spice, perfect for sharing around the table.
Cover of Authentic Thai Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Thai Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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