Chá de Capim-Limão

Name: Chá de Capim-Limão
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mozambican
Ingredients: 4 stalks fresh lemongrass, bruised and chopped; 500ml boiling water; Honey to taste; Slice of fresh ginger (optional); Lemon slice (optional)

Chá de Capim-Limão (SHAH deh kah-PEEM lee-MOUW)

Lemongrass Tea

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

A soothing herbal infusion of fresh lemongrass steeped in hot water with a touch of honey, enjoyed throughout Mozambique.

Nutrition & Info

Carbs 8.0g

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

kettle teapot or saucepan strainer cups

Presentation Guide

Vessel: glass cup or mug

Garnishes: lemongrass stalk, lemon slice

Accompaniments: honey, biscuits

Ingredients

4 stalks fresh lemongrass, bruised and chopped
500ml boiling water
Honey to taste
Slice of fresh ginger (optional)
Lemon slice (optional)

Instructions

1
Bruise the lemongrass stalks by bending and lightly crushing them to release the aromatic oils inside.
2
Chop the stalks into three-inch pieces and place them in a teapot or small saucepan.
3
Pour boiling water over the lemongrass, add optional ginger, and cover tightly to trap the aroma.
4
Steep for ten minutes to extract maximum flavor, allowing the water to turn a pale golden color.
5
Strain into cups and sweeten with honey to taste, adding a lemon slice if desired for extra brightness.
6
Serve hot in the morning or evening as a calming herbal drink that aids digestion and relaxation.

💡

Did You Know?

Lemongrass tea is used as a folk remedy for headaches and stomach ailments across Mozambique.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

kettle
teapot or saucepan
strainer
cups

Garnishing

lemongrass stalk, lemon slice

Accompaniments

honey, biscuits

The Story Behind Chá de Capim-Limão

Chá de capim-limão represents Mozambique's rich tradition of herbal remedies and beverages that predates both Portuguese and Indian influences. Lemongrass grows abundantly in the tropical climate, and its use as a medicinal tea has been passed down through generations of traditional healers. The Portuguese tea culture merged with these indigenous herbal practices, creating a daily ritual of brewing fresh herbal infusions that continues to this day.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed morning, evening, after meals 📜 Origins: Traditional herbal remedy

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