THE INDIAN TEA

There is nothing like a nice cup of "kadak chai"on a rainy day, on a cold winter evening or simply when with friends. Drinking tea has been something that has been around in India for years. Its a simple way to unwind, discuss politics, sports, current affairs or simply gossip........

There are tea stalls around every nook and corner of the streets in India. Some tea stalls serve it glasses whereas some serve it in "kulad" or small clay earthenwares. I still remember the early morning days of my school and college. I use to smell the cardamom in the air. The smoke coming out of the "chulla" or the coal stove around the corner, with a kettle of tea simmering on top. So simple yet so divine. And on rainy days, gathering with friends and sipping hot tea with piping hot pakodas.......Those were the days.

I am sorry to go astray from my recipe. Its a very simple recipe of making tea, but I guess to get that cup of "kadak chai" or strong tea, one needs to add the ingredients in the correct order.

here it is

You will need- for two cups of tea

• water- 1 1/2 cups
• milk- 1/2 cup
• cardamom- 1-2 pods crushed
• tea leaves- 2 tbsp, I use red label. You could use the dip tea bags too.
• tea masala (optional)- 1/2 tsp
• sugar- 3- 4 tsp

You have to

1. in a sauce pan put the water to heat.
2. once the water begins to boil,add the tea leaves.(or the tea bags) to the water.
3. let the tea leaves boil with the water.
4. now add the crushed cardamom and the sugar.
5. add the milk. once it comes to a full boil, lower the heat.
6. let it simmer till you get a nice colour. now add the tea masala. stir it.
7. strain it into cups
8. and enjoy with any savoury items.

note: usually in winters or when someone is suffering from cold, a little bit of crushed ginger is added along with the cardamom.

This is my first entry to the RECIPE MARATHON. These are my fellow runners

1) DK 2) Siri 3) Srivalli 4) Ranji 5)PJ 6)Curry Leaf 7)Medha 8)Priya 9)Bhawna 10)Raaji 11)Ruchii 12)Anu 13)Kamala 14)Roopa 15)Divya Kudua 16)Rekha 17)Divya M 18)Lakshmi 19)Raaga 20)Lakshmi Venkatesh 21)Sripriya 22)Viji 23)Pavani