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Vietnamese Spiced Tea 2

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Vietnamese Spiced Tea 2

In Vietnam, the art of making spiced tea is a cherished tradition, passed down through generations of home cooks who know just how to balance flavors by instinct. This version, Vietnamese Spiced Tea 2, captures the essence of that practice, blending tea leaves with a careful hand and a generous spirit. It's a staple at home tables, where the salt and fat are judged not by measure but by memory, and where the pot is always ready to be shared.

This tea should envelop you with warmth, its rich aroma a comforting embrace. The tea leaves steep into a deep, robust brew, enhanced by spices that dance subtly on the palate, tempered with just the right hint of sweetness. Each sip is a reminder of the care and intention that goes into Vietnamese home cooking, a quiet celebration of flavors crafted by feel rather than formula.

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. Use medium heat to ensure the water heats evenly and doesn't evaporate too quickly, which could alter the tea's strength.
  2. Once the water reaches a boil, add 2 tablespoons of tea leaves directly into the saucepan. Stir gently to ensure the leaves are fully submerged and begin to release their flavor. You should notice a rich, aromatic scent as the tea leaves start to steep.
  3. Lower the heat to a simmer and allow the tea to brew for about 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the water will take on a deep, amber hue, indicating that the tea has infused properly.
  4. Add spices to taste, such as cinnamon, star anise, or cardamom, directly into the simmering tea. Stir gently to combine, allowing the spices to release their oils and enhance the tea's aroma. You should smell a warm, fragrant blend of spices.
  5. Sweeten the tea by adding sugar to taste. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, tasting as you go to achieve your preferred level of sweetness. The tea should have a balanced flavor, with the sweetness complementing the spices.
  6. Once the tea has reached your desired flavor profile, remove it from the heat. Strain the tea into a teapot or directly into serving glasses to remove the tea leaves and spices, ensuring a smooth drink.
  7. Serve the Vietnamese Spiced Tea immediately in traditional glassware. The tea should be warm and aromatic, perfect for sharing around the table.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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