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A warm, aromatic green tea from Kashmir, infused with whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron. Garnished with slivered almonds, this wonderfully fragrant and comforting drink is a traditional symbol of Kashmiri hospitality, perfect for chilly evenings.
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.
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.
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.
Uncover the pot and add the sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the Kehwa directly into four serving cups to remove the whole spices and tea leaves.
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.
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A warm, aromatic green tea from Kashmir, infused with whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron. Garnished with slivered almonds, this wonderfully fragrant and comforting drink is a traditional symbol of Kashmiri hospitality, perfect for chilly evenings.
This kashmiri recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 81 calories per serving with 1.2g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for beverage.
Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Add it to individual cups before serving.
Instead of almonds, you can garnish with finely chopped walnuts or pistachios for a different texture and taste.
For a slightly different aroma, you can add a small piece of star anise along with the other spices during the simmering stage.
Allow the prepared Kehwa to cool completely, then refrigerate for a few hours. Serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
Green tea and spices like cinnamon and cloves are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
The spices in Kehwa, particularly cardamom and cinnamon, are known carminatives that can help improve digestion, relieve bloating, and soothe the stomach.
The warming properties of the spices, combined with the health benefits of saffron and green tea, help strengthen the immune system, making it an excellent drink for cold weather.
The warm, aromatic nature of Kehwa has a calming and soothing effect on the nerves. A cup of this fragrant tea can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
One cup of Kehwa contains approximately 35-45 calories, primarily from the sugar and slivered almonds. The calorie count can be reduced by using less sugar or a natural, zero-calorie sweetener.
Yes, Kehwa is considered very healthy. It's rich in antioxidants from green tea and spices like cinnamon and cloves. It aids digestion, boosts immunity, and can be a great stress reliever. The health benefits are maximized when consumed with minimal sugar.
You can, but saffron is a key ingredient that provides the signature golden color and subtle, luxurious aroma. Without it, the Kehwa will still be flavorful from the other spices but will lack its characteristic authenticity.
Authentic Kashmiri green tea leaves, sometimes sold as 'Samovar tea', are the best choice. If you can't find them, a good quality, delicate Chinese green tea like Sencha or Gunpowder can be used as a substitute.
Kehwa is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat it gently on the stovetop without bringing it to a boil, as boiling will make it bitter.
Yes, since it is made with green tea leaves, Kehwa contains caffeine. However, the amount is generally less than that found in black tea or a standard cup of coffee.