WHAT IS KARAK CHAI?
The word Karak or Kadak means ‘strong’ and Chai means ‘tea’. This aromatic tea is also known as Chai Karak, kadak chai or Qatari Tea. It is a hugely popular drink in India and Pakistan, but I have learned that it is enjoyed in Arab countries such as Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East Karak Chai is prepared with strong black tea, evaporated milk or regular milk, cardamom, ginger and sugar. It differs from an authentic Indian Masala Chai (traditional Indian tea) by using fewer spices. Indian chai is typically flavoured with different types of spices: cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, ginger and clove. Karak Tea is thick, flavourful and caramel coloured, and has a strong flavor compared with a regular cup of tea you get in the western world. This is an easy recipe but the strong black tea base is a welcome change from a chai tea latte. Chai Latte is mild and milky. Karak Chai has been enjoyed for decades but has gained recent popularity thanks to restaurants such as Dishoom and tea shop Karak Chaii and Chaiiwala.
Why you will love this recipe:
This great tea tastes just like the tea shops – follow for a Chaiiwala Karak Chai recipe A delicious tea that can be ready under 10 minutes Easy recipes for quick beverages Uses less number of spices than masala tea – is an authentic karak chai recipe
INGREDIENTS FOR QATARI KARAK CHAI TEA
Tea – a good tea is the main ingredient for delicious karak tea. The original karak tea, is made with black tea leaves. You can use strong black loose leaf such as PG TIPS or the Indian strong tea WAGH BAKRI which is commonly used to make Indian Masala Tea. Easily available in grocery stores. Milk – Use fresh milk or evaporated milk. I like to use evaporated milk as it is thick and slightly sweet. For a milky tea, you can add more milk to the recipe. Ginger – Fresh ginger has numerous health benefits and is a key ingredient in karak chai and masala chai tea. Ginger helps with digestive problems and supports the immune system. Omit if you are not a fan. You can use ginger powder also but fresh is best! Aromatic spices – the main difference The chai spices used here are cardamom and cinnamon. I have used crushed green cardamom pod and cinnamon stick. Sugar – use normal granulated sugar or brown sugar. Optionally, use condensed milk which has a high sugar content and reduce the amount of milk added. Water – use hot water from the kettle for speed.
VEGAN KARAK CHAI
For a vegan version, swap for a different type of milk such as dairy free or plant based alternatives. Oat milk is great as it can be boiled without splitting. You can add coconut milk or almond milk at the end of the recipe and serve immediately.
QATARI KARAK TEA RECIPE
Karak chai is so easy to make, and won’t take long to prepare. Follow each simple step and any important tips along the way. 1. First, boil water in a kettle or in a saucepan over the stove. Use 1 cup of water for each person so increase the cups of water depending on your guests. Meanwhile, you can use a pestle and mortar to crush the spices or bash with a rolling pin. 2. Add strong loose black tea (1.5 tsp for a cup), crushed ginger, cardamom pods and cinnamon bark. 3. Bring the mixture to the boil on medium-high heat, add whichever kind of milk and let it boil for at least five minutes (make sure it doesn’t boil over the pan) until you see a beautiful caramel colour and the tea thickens. Switch to low heat if the tea keeps boiling over. 4. Add sugar (if using) and once again bring it to boil. 5. Using a tea strainer, pour tea into cups and enjoy.
Serving Karak Chai
Karak Tea can be served for breakfast, at brunch or as afternoon tea. A cup of Karak Chai is best enjoyed the Indian way with Indian snacks such as samosa or pakora. Tea and biscuits are also the perfect marriage enjoyed this way in both South Asia and all regions of the world. Whether it’s a Eggless Linzer Cookies or an Indian variety, such as Nankhatai, Coconut and Cardamom Wholewheat Cookies you need to serve the tea with biscuits, no one has ever been able to stop at one! In our house, we often serve handvo, thepla, masala lachha paratha, masala bhakhri or bajri na vada with karak tea as well.
How to store Karak Chai
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove the next day. Karak Chai or Karak tea is a strong Qatari Tea made with black tea, cardamom and evaporated milk. Learn how to make this delicious Middle Eastern tea at home.
