Shay Libi — Print Recipe — The Culinary Codex

A strong, sweet tea brewed with loose-leaf red tea, fresh mint, and roasted peanuts, served in small glasses. This ritualistic Libyan tea is boiled three times for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

3 tbsp loose-leaf black tea
4 cups water
4 tbsp sugar
1 sprig fresh mint
2 tbsp roasted peanuts
1 tsp rose water (optional)

Instructions

1 Add tea leaves and water to a small teapot. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2 Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. The tea should become dark and strong.
3 Add sugar and stir. Return to a boil, then reduce heat again. Repeat this boiling process 3 times total.
4 Add fresh mint sprig in the last minute of brewing for a bright, herbaceous note.
5 Strain into small glasses. Drop a few roasted peanuts into each glass.
6 Serve immediately, pouring from a height to create a slight foam on top.

Did You Know?

In Libya, refusing tea is considered a serious social offense. The proper response to offered tea is always: "Yes, please, with extra sugar."