The PERFECT Karak (Kadak) Chai, and how to make it

Karak Chai (also known as "Karak Tea") is a popular spiced tea from the Middle East, especially in places like the UAE and Qatar. It’s a strong, flavorful tea made with black tea, spices, milk, and sugar.

But, that's not where the story began! Karak Chai is derived from Kadak Chai. The term "kadak" in Hindi and Urdu means strong or strongly brewed. So, Kadak Chai essentially refers to a very strong, bold tea, which is typically brewed longer to create a rich, intense flavor. The original recipe has been adapted and remixed from its South East Asian kick, into a new spiced cousin from the Middle East!

Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons loose black tea (or 2 black tea bags)
• 2-3 cardamom pods (crushed)
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 cup whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra richness)
• Sugar to taste (optional, but the condensed milk usually adds enough sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

2. Add the Tea and Spices: Once the water is boiling, add the black tea leaves (or tea bags), crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tea and spices to infuse.

3. Add Milk: Add the whole milk (or evaporated milk for a richer taste) to the saucepan. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer for another 3-4 minutes. The tea will become a rich, golden brown color.

4. Sweeten: Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir well. If you want extra sweetness, you can also add sugar to taste at this stage. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, making sure the tea is well mixed.

5. Strain and Serve: Once the tea is ready, strain it into cups using a fine mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves and spices.

6. Enjoy! Serve the Karak Chai hot. You can enjoy it as a strong, comforting drink on its own or with snacks like biscuits or sweets.