Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

West AfricanAuthentic Cuisine

West African Spiced Tea 2

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

West African Spiced Tea 2

West African Spiced Tea 2 takes its place on the table as a comforting companion to both quiet evenings and lively gatherings. It's a staple found across many home kitchens, where each cook adds a personal touch with a pinch of this or a dash of that. This version captures the essence of familial warmth, with salt and fat used generously and intuitively, creating a brew that feels as welcoming as a well-loved armchair.

Expect a bold infusion where the richness of tea leaves mingles with spices and sugar, crafting a drink that's both robust and soothing. Each sip is a balance of warmth and sweetness, reflecting the care and instinctive touch of the hands that prepared it. Best shared with those who appreciate its comforting embrace.

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 sturdy pan to ensure even heating. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of tea leaves to the simmering water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to ensure the leaves are fully submerged. Allow the tea to steep for about 5 minutes, or until the water takes on a rich, deep color, indicating the tea has infused properly.
  3. While the tea is steeping, prepare your spices. Choose spices like cloves, cinnamon, or ginger, and measure them according to your taste preference. Add the spices to the tea, stirring gently to combine, and let them simmer for an additional 3 minutes. The aroma should become warm and inviting, signaling the spices are well integrated.
  4. Taste the tea and add sugar to your liking. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. The tea should have a balanced sweetness that complements the spices without overpowering them.
  5. Once the desired flavor is achieved, strain the tea into a teapot or directly into traditional glassware to remove the tea leaves and spices. This ensures a smooth texture and prevents any bitterness from over-steeping.
  6. Serve the West African Spiced Tea 2 immediately in traditional glassware. The tea should be warm and aromatic, perfect for sharing around the table. Enjoy the comforting blend of spices and tea with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore West African cuisine