Assamese Red Tea
A fragrant and invigorating black tea from Assam, known locally as 'Rong Saah'. Brewed with ginger and bay leaf, this traditional beverage offers a unique spicy-sweet flavor and a beautiful reddish hue. It's a simple, soulful drink that's ready in minutes, perfect for any time of day.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Infuse the Water
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the water, crushed ginger, and bay leaves.
- c.Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Aromatics
- b.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the water simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
- c.This step is crucial for extracting the full flavor from the ginger and bay leaves.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Steep the Tea
- b.Turn off the heat completely. Add the Assam tea leaves to the hot water.
- c.Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes. For a lighter tea, steep for 3 minutes; for a stronger brew, steep for 5 minutes. Do not boil the tea leaves as this will make the tea bitter.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Strain and Serve
- b.Using a fine-mesh tea strainer, carefully pour the prepared tea into four serving cups.
- c.Discard the steeped tea leaves, ginger, and bay leaves.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Sweeten and Finish
- b.Add sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice to each cup according to taste.
- c.Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality, loose-leaf Orthodox Assam tea.
- 2Do not over-steep the tea leaves, as it can result in a bitter taste. Start with 3 minutes and taste before steeping longer.
- 3Crushing the ginger with a mortar and pestle or the back of a knife helps release its essential oils and flavor.
- 4You can substitute sugar with jaggery (gur) or honey for a different flavor profile. Add them after straining while the tea is hot.
- 5Notice the beautiful change in color from dark brown to a reddish-amber when you add the lemon juice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Red Tea
Add one crushed green cardamom pod and a small clove along with the ginger and bay leaf for a more complex, spiced aroma.
Herbal InfusionHerbal Infusion
Add 4-5 fresh tulsi (holy basil) leaves to the water along with the ginger for added health benefits and a refreshing herbal note.
Iced Red TeaIced Red Tea
Allow the strained, unsweetened tea to cool completely. Pour over ice, then add your desired sweetener and a fresh lemon slice. Perfect for a hot day.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Assam black tea is loaded with antioxidants like theaflavins and thearubigins, which help combat free radicals in the body and support overall cellular health.
Aids Digestion
Ginger is a well-known digestive aid that can help soothe the stomach, reduce nausea, and promote healthy digestion. A warm cup of this tea after a meal can be very comforting.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of ginger's anti-inflammatory properties and the Vitamin C from fresh lemon juice can help strengthen the immune system and ward off common colds.
Enhances Mental Alertness
Like other black teas, Assam tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine that can improve focus and alertness without the jitteriness sometimes associated with coffee.
Frequently asked questions
Rong Saah, which translates to 'Red Tea', is a traditional Assamese beverage. It's a simple black tea, typically made without milk, and often infused with aromatics like ginger, bay leaf, or cardamom.