A strong, sweet, intensely spiced tea brewed by boiling black tea leaves with evaporated milk, cardamom, and saffron until thick and deeply flavored. Qatar's unofficial national drink.
Ingredients
3 tbsp loose black tea leaves
2 cups water
1 cup evaporated milk
3 tbsp sugar
5 cardamom pods, crushed
Pinch of saffron
1 small piece cinnamon stick
Instructions
1Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add tea leaves, cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon. Boil for 3 minutes.
2Add evaporated milk and sugar. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3When the tea turns a deep amber-orange color and thickens slightly, it is ready.
4Strain into small glass cups and serve immediately, piping hot.
Did You Know?
Karak chai is so beloved in Qatar that street-side karak shops stay open 24 hours, and some Qataris drink up to 10 cups a day.