Special Irani Chai Recipe | Hyderabadi Chai Recipe
Irani Chai, also known as Iranian tea, is a delightful beverage that originated in the bustling streets of Iran and eventually made its way to India, becoming an integral part of the country’s rich tea culture. This enchanting blend of black tea, milk, and aromatic spices has captured the hearts of tea enthusiasts around the world.
In India it’s also known as Hyderabadi chai and this delectable tea is so much rich in flavor and its texture is brilliant.
Irani chai can be serve with breakfast like rava idli, besan cheese chilla, eggless pancakes, veg paratha or with snacks also. This chai is perfect having in mornings or in evenings. 
Detailed Recipe with Pics is here to help you. So, follow these easy & simple steps and enjoy this beverage with your near & dear ones.
Preparation of Irani Chai
Step 1: Preparing the Tea Base
- In a saucepan, pour the water and add the crushed 3-4 green cardamom pods and 1-inch cinnamon stick. You can also add saffron strands at this point if desired, as it imparts a beautiful color and aroma to the tea.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the spices infuse into the water for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Adding the Tea Leaves
- Add the black tea leaves to the spiced water and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Adjust the simmering time based on your desired strength of the tea; longer simmering will result in a stronger brew.
Step 3: Sweetening the Chai
- Now, it’s time to add sugar to your taste. Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and adjust as needed, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Stir the mixture well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: Straining the Irani Chai
- Once the tea is brewed to perfection, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or tea filter into a teapot or individual cups.
- The straining process ensures that the tea is free from any loose tea leaves or spice remnants, giving you a smooth and refined cup of Irani Chai.
Step 5. Add Milk & Fresh Cream
- Now pour milk in pot.
- At last add 1 tablespoon fresh cream in it.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying the Irani Chai
- Traditionally, Irani Chai is served in small cups, emphasizing the experience of savoring the aromatic flavors.
- Accompany your Irani Chai with biscuits, cookies, or a slice of cake to complement the tea’s taste.
Share the joy of Irani Chai with friends and family, as this tea is not just a beverage; it’s a symbol of warmth and hospitality.
Expert Tips
High-Quality Tea Leaves: The key to a flavorful Irani Chai is using high-quality loose black tea leaves. Look for Assam or Darjeeling tea, as they have a robust flavor that pairs well with the spices and milk.
Spice Infusion: Allow the spices, such as green cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, to infuse in the water before addin the tea leaves. This will enhance the aromatic flavors of the tea.
Saffron Infusion (Optional): If you wish to elevate the richness and aroma of the tea, add a few strands of saffron to the water along with the spices. Saffron adds a lovely golden hue and a unique taste to the tea.
Simmering Time: Pay attention to the simmering time of the tea leaves. Adjust the duration based on how strong you prefer your tea. Keep in mind that longer simmering will result in a bolder flavor.
Right Milk Ratio: Use whole milk for a creamy and indulgent cup of Irani Chai. The milk should be added after the tea leaves have simmered with the spices to prevent it from curdling.
Straining Technique: When straining the tea, use a fine mesh strainer or tea filter to ensure the tea is free from any loose tea leaves or spice remnants. This step guarantees a smooth and refined texture.
Sweetening Balance: Be mindful of the sugar quantity you add to the chai. Start with a moderate amount and adjust to your taste. Remember that Irani Chai is generally less sweet than other chai variations.
Serving Style: Traditionally, Irani Chai is served in small cups, emphasizing the experience of savoring the flavors. Serve it with biscuits, cookies, or cake for a delightful tea-time experience.
Hospitality and Tradition: Embrace the cultural significance of Irani Chai, which is often linked with hospitality and warmth. Share this delightful tea with friends and family to create lasting memories.
Experiment and Customize: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice mix or milk-to-water ratio to suit your preferences. Everyone’s perfect cup of Irani Chai might differ, so feel free to customize it to your liking.
FAQs
Q. What is Irani Chai?
A. Irani Chai, also known as Iranian tea, is a traditional tea beverage that originated in Iran and became popular in India. It is a unique blend of black tea, milk, and spices, creating a delightful and aromatic cup of tea.
Q. What type of tea leaves should I use for Irani Chai?
A. For the best results, use high-quality loose black tea leaves, such as Assam or Darjeeling. These varieties have a robust flavor that complements the spices and milk used in Irani Chai.
Q. How do I prevent the milk from curdling in Irani Chai?
A. To prevent milk from curdling, add it to the tea after the tea leaves have simmered with the spices. Using whole milk can also help reduce the chances of curdling.
Q. How much sugar should I add to Irani Chai?
A. The amount of sugar can vary based on personal preference. Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and adjust to taste. Irani Chai is generally less sweet than other chai variations.
Q. What is the significance of Irani Chai in Iranian and Indian cultures?
A. In both Iranian and Indian cultures, Irani Chai holds a special place as a symbol of hospitality and warmth. It’s often served to guests as a gesture of welcoming and sharing.
Q. Can I customize the spice mix in Irani Chai?
A. Yes, you can experiment with the spice mix to suit your taste. Some people may prefer to add additional spices like cloves or ginger to enhance the flavor further.
If you like our recipe then try our Other Chai/Tea Recipes
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Irani Chai Recipe Card (Hyderabadi Chai Recipe)
Equipments
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 2 teaspoons Black Tea leaves
- 1 cup Milk (whole milk)
- 3-4 Green Cardamoms (lightly crushed)
- 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
- 4-5 Saffron strands (optional)
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, pour the water and add the crushed cardamom pods and cinnamon stick. You can also add saffron strands at this point if desired, as it imparts a beautiful color and aroma to the tea.2. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the spices infuse into the water for about 2-3 minutes.3. Add the black tea leaves to the spiced water and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Adjust the simmering time based on your desired strength of the tea; longer simmering will result in a stronger brew.4. After simmering, pour in the milk and stir gently. Let the tea continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes.5. Now, it's time to add sugar to your taste. Start with 2tablespoons of sugar and adjust as needed, depending on your preference for sweetness.6. Stir the mixture well until the sugar dissolves completely.7. Once the tea is brewed to perfection, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or tea filter into a teapot or individual cups.8. The straining process ensures that the tea is free from any loose tea leaves or spice remnants, giving you a smooth and refined cup of Irani Chai.Your Irani Chai is Ready
Video
Notes
- Use whole milk as it contains full fat. So it will give good frothy look as well as healthy to drink.
- You can adjust herbs as per your convenience.
Soo tasty and easy recipe. Thanks North Indian Kitchen
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