Kashmiri Girda, Kehwa and Anda Bhurji

Ingredients

• 4.5 cup water
• 2 tsp Kashmiri green tea leaves
• 4 pcs green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 4 pcs cloves
• 1 pinch saffron strands (a generous pinch)
• 4 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp almonds (slivered, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp dried rose petals (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a saucepan or a traditional Samovar, combine 4.5 cups of water, the lightly crushed green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

2. 2

   Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the spices simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the spices to fully infuse their aroma and flavor into the water.

3. 3

   Turn off the heat completely. Add the Kashmiri green tea leaves and saffron strands to the pot. Immediately cover with a lid and let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling the tea leaves as it will make the Kehwa bitter.

4. 4

   Uncover the pot and add the sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.

5. 5

   Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the Kehwa directly into four serving cups to remove the whole spices and tea leaves.

6. 6

   Garnish each cup with a sprinkle of slivered almonds and optional dried rose petals. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant to enjoy its full flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 pcs Eggs (Use large, room temperature eggs for the best texture.)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (Can be substituted with a neutral oil like sunflower oil.)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 2 medium Red Onion (Finely chopped.)
• 2 medium Roma Tomatoes (Finely chopped.)
• 1 inch Ginger (Peeled and finely grated.)
• 4 cloves Garlic (Finely minced.)
• 2 pcs Green Chilies (Finely chopped. Adjust quantity to your spice preference.)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 0.75 tsp Red Chili Powder (Kashmiri chili powder is recommended for color and mild heat.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 0.5 tsp Garam Masala (Add at the end for the best aroma.)
• 2 tbsp Cilantro (Freshly chopped, for garnish.)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, crack the eggs. Add salt and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy. Set aside.

2. 2

   Heat ghee in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot and shimmering, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.

4. 4

   Stir in the finely chopped tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down, become soft and pulpy, and the mixture starts to thicken.

5. 5

   Add the turmeric powder and red chili powder. Mix well and cook the masala for 2-3 minutes, until the oil begins to separate from the mixture at the edges of the pan. This indicates the masala is well-cooked.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low. Pour the whisked egg mixture into the pan. Let it sit undisturbed for 20-30 seconds to allow the bottom to set slightly.

7. 7

   Using a spatula, gently scrape the cooked egg from the bottom and sides of the pan, folding it towards the center. Continue this gentle scraping and folding motion for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are about 90% cooked but still soft and moist. Avoid over-stirring to maintain soft curds.