Kehwa
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.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.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.
- 2
Step 2
- a.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.
- 3
Turn off the heat completely
- a.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.
- 4
Uncover the pot and add the sugar
- a.Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the Kehwa directly into four serving cups to remove the whole spices and tea leaves.
- 6
Step 6
- a.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.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor and color, use traditional Kashmiri green tea leaves. If unavailable, a high-quality, delicate Chinese green tea can be used as a substitute.
- 2Do not over-steep the tea leaves. 2-3 minutes is sufficient to extract the flavor without introducing bitterness.
- 3Lightly crushing the cardamom pods before adding them to the water helps release their essential oils and enhances the aroma.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can add a few strands of saffron while simmering the spices as well as during the final steeping.
- 5Kehwa is traditionally served without milk to preserve its delicate and complex flavors.
- 6If you prefer using honey, add it to individual cups just before serving instead of adding it to the hot pot, as high heat can alter honey's beneficial properties.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweetener
Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Add it to individual cups before serving.
NutsNuts
Instead of almonds, you can garnish with finely chopped walnuts or pistachios for a different texture and taste.
SpicesSpices
For a slightly different aroma, you can add a small piece of star anise along with the other spices during the simmering stage.
Iced KehwaIced Kehwa
Allow the prepared Kehwa to cool completely, then refrigerate for a few hours. Serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
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.
Aids Digestion
The spices in Kehwa, particularly cardamom and cinnamon, are known carminatives that can help improve digestion, relieve bloating, and soothe the stomach.
Immunity Booster
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.
Natural Stress Reliever
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.