Green Tea
A light, soothing cup of green tea made at home. Unlike milky masala chai, this is all about the delicate, slightly grassy flavor of the tea leaves, perfect as a gentle morning pick-me-up or an after-meal digestive.
For 2 servings
- boil · ~3 min
Heat the water.
Pour water into a saucepan or kettle and heat it over medium-high heat. Just before it reaches a rolling boil (small bubbles forming at the bottom), take it off the heat. You want the water hot, around 80-85°C, not boiling furiously, to avoid bitter tea.
TIPBoiling water scalds green tea leaves and releases too many tannins, making the brew bitter. Let boiled water sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly. - mix · ~3 min
Brew the green tea.
Place the green tea leaves in a strainer over a cup, or put a tea bag directly into the cup. Pour the hot water over the leaves or tea bag, cover the cup with a small saucer, and let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Steeping longer will make it stronger but more bitter.
TIPCovering while steeping traps the volatile aromatic oils, giving a more fragrant cup. Don't steep beyond 3 minutes. - assemble · ~1 min
Flavor and serve.
Remove the strainer or tea bag. Stir in honey and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like. Sip warm as is—avoid adding milk, which can curdle and clashes with green tea's delicate taste.
TIPFor a spiced Indian twist, add a small coin of fresh ginger or a few mint leaves while steeping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use water at 80-85°C to avoid bitterness; let boiling water rest for 30 seconds.
- 2Steep for exactly 2-3 minutes; longer steeping releases excess tannins and ruins flavor.
- 3Always cover the cup while steeping to trap delicate aromatics for a more fragrant cup.
- 4Never add milk to green tea; it curdles and masks the grassy, subtle notes.
- 5For a stronger brew, add more tea leaves, not steeping time—1.5 tsp instead of 1 tsp.
- 6If using tea bags, gently squeeze the bag against the cup side before removing to extract flavour without bitterness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced indian green tea
Add a small coin of fresh ginger, 2-3 crushed cardamom pods, and a pinch of black pepper while steeping for a warming, fragrant twist that complements the grassy flavour.
cold brew green teaCold brew green tea
Combine 1 tsp green tea leaves with 2 cups cold water in a jar, refrigerate for 6-8 hours (or overnight), then strain. This yields an ultrasmooth, never-bitter iced tea perfect for hot days.
minty green teaMinty green tea
Add 4-5 fresh mint leaves (lightly bruised) along with the tea leaves during steeping for a refreshing, cooling variation that aids digestion.
citrus burst green teaCitrus burst green tea
Swap honey for a splash of fresh orange juice and a strip of orange zest steeped with the tea for a vitamin C-rich, tropical-flavored cup.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Green tea is packed with catechins, especially EGCG, which help fight oxidative stress and support cellular health.
Hydrates Without Sugar
When served without honey, this green tea is a zero-calorie, unsweetened beverage that supports proper hydration.
Contains L-Theanine
This amino acid in green tea promotes a calm, focused state of mind without the jitters of coffee.
May Aid Digestion
A warm cup of green tea after meals can gently stimulate digestion and soothe the stomach.
Frequently asked questions
Bitter green tea is usually caused by water that is too hot (above 90°C) or steeping for longer than 3 minutes. Use water at 80-85°C and limit steep time to 2-3 minutes.
