Kora Chaha
A comforting and aromatic Maharashtrian black tea, brewed with fresh ginger and lemongrass. This simple, milk-free chai is a traditional remedy for colds and a perfect light, refreshing beverage for any time of day.
For 2 servings
6 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the aromatics
- a.Grate or crush the ginger, lightly crush the green cardamom pods, and gently bruise the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife to release its oils.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a saucepan, combine 2.5 cups of water with the prepared ginger, lemongrass, and cardamom. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Once the water is boiling, add the black tea powder and sugar
- a.Stir once to combine.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer gently for 2-3 minutes
- a.This allows the flavors to infuse deeply without the tea becoming bitter.
- 5
Turn off the heat
- a.Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the hot tea directly into two serving cups.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve the Kora Chaha immediately and enjoy its fragrant, soothing warmth.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fresh ginger and lemongrass.
- 2Do not over-boil the tea after adding the tea powder, as it can make the brew bitter.
- 3If you prefer a stronger lemongrass flavor, you can chop the stalk into smaller pieces before adding it to the water.
- 4For a more traditional flavor, replace sugar with an equal amount of powdered jaggery (gul). Add it after turning off the heat and stir until dissolved.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbal Infusion
Add 4-5 fresh Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves along with the ginger for added health benefits and a distinct peppery flavor.
Spiced VersionSpiced Version
Add a small cinnamon stick (1-inch) and 2-3 whole black peppercorns along with the other spices for extra warmth and complexity.
Citrus TwistCitrus Twist
Squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon or lime juice into the tea just before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Soothes Sore Throat & Cold
The combination of hot water, ginger, and lemongrass provides a warming effect that can help soothe an irritated throat and relieve congestion associated with the common cold.
Aids Digestion
Ginger is well-known for its digestive properties. It can help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and nausea, making this tea a great post-meal beverage.
Boosts Immunity
Lemongrass and ginger are packed with antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties that can help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.
Stress Relief
The aroma of lemongrass is known to have a calming effect on the mind. Sipping on this fragrant tea can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Frequently asked questions
Kora Chaha translates to 'plain tea' or 'black tea' in Marathi. It is a traditional Maharashtrian beverage made by brewing tea leaves with water and aromatic spices like ginger and lemongrass, without any milk.