Karak chai, the spiced Gulf tea
Strong black tea, cardamom and creamy milk: karak chai is the favourite tea of the UAE and Qatar. Here is my easy Thermomix® version.
Karak chai is the tea of the Gulf. You find it everywhere in the UAE and Qatar, from small roadside cafés to family homes. It is strong, sweet, creamy and full of cardamom. With the Thermomix®, you make it at home without watching the pot.
It is lovely in the afternoon with a few dates or a biscuit, or when friends come to visit.
⏱ 20 min · 👥 4 · ⭐ Easy
Ingredients
- 💧 500 g water
- 🌱 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 🫚 2 slices fresh ginger
- 🌸 1 pinch of saffron (optional)
- 🍂 15 g loose black tea
- 🍬 40 g sugar (to taste)
- 🥛 250 g evaporated milk
Steps
- 8 min / 100°C / speed 1 — Put water, cardamom, ginger and saffron in the bowl. Heat to release the spices.
- 3 min / 100°C / reverse / speed 1 — Add the tea and sugar. Let the tea brew strong and dark.
- 4 min / 95°C / reverse / speed 1 — Add the evaporated milk and heat until hot and creamy.
- By hand — Pour through a fine sieve into cups. Serve hot.
Esra's tip
Like your karak stronger? Add 5 g more tea or brew it 1 or 2 minutes longer. You can also use normal milk instead of evaporated milk: the tea will be lighter. For less sugar, start with 20 g and add more at the table.
Want to see this recipe made live? Contact me for a home demo or any question. 😊
