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A classic Bengali red tea, light and invigorating. Brewed with fragrant ginger and cardamom, this simple black tea is a refreshing alternative to milky chai, perfect for any time of day.
For 2 servings
Prepare the aromatics. Peel the ginger and lightly crush it using a mortar and pestle or the back of a knife. Gently crush the green cardamom pods to slightly open them up.
In a small saucepan, combine 2.5 cups of water, the crushed ginger, and cardamom pods. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the water with the flavors.
Reduce the heat to low and add the black tea leaves to the boiling water. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, or until the tea develops a rich, reddish-brown hue. Avoid boiling vigorously at this stage.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. Let the tea steep for another minute off the heat for a deeper flavor.
Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the tea into two cups. If using, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to each cup and stir. Serve immediately and enjoy.
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A classic Bengali red tea, light and invigorating. Brewed with fragrant ginger and cardamom, this simple black tea is a refreshing alternative to milky chai, perfect for any time of day.
This bengali recipe takes 8 minutes to prepare and yields 2 servings. At 25.1 calories per serving with 0.59g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for breakfast or snack or beverage.
Add a few fresh mint leaves or a stalk of lemongrass along with the ginger for a refreshing variation.
Include a small 1-inch cinnamon stick and one clove along with the cardamom and ginger for a more complex spiced tea.
Replace sugar with an equal amount of jaggery (gur) for a more earthy sweetness. Add the jaggery after turning off the heat and stirring until dissolved.
Black tea is loaded with antioxidants called polyphenols, which help combat free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall cellular health.
Ginger and cardamom are well-known for their digestive properties. They can help soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and alleviate indigestion, making this tea a great post-meal beverage.
The combination of ginger's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, along with the antioxidants in black tea, can help strengthen the immune system and protect against common illnesses.
A single serving of Lal Chai, made with 1 teaspoon of sugar, contains approximately 16-20 calories. The calorie count is almost entirely from the sugar.
Yes, Lal Chai is considered a healthy beverage. It's low in calories and rich in antioxidants from black tea. Ginger and cardamom offer digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. To maximize health benefits, you can reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener.
Bitterness in tea is usually caused by over-boiling the tea leaves. Once you add the tea leaves, simmer gently for only 2-3 minutes. Boiling them for too long or on high heat releases excess tannins, which results in a bitter taste.
Absolutely! Lal Chai can be enjoyed without any sweetener. You can also use alternatives like honey, jaggery, or stevia. If using honey, add it after straining the hot tea.
A strong black tea works best. CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) Assam tea is a popular choice in Bengal for its robust flavor and deep color. You can also use other loose-leaf black teas like English Breakfast.
Yes, you can. Brew the tea as directed, perhaps making it slightly stronger by adding an extra half teaspoon of tea leaves. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon.