Well among all the Kashmiri cuisine, Noon Chai / Kashmiri Pink Chai / Sheer Chai is a traditional hot beverage. The word ‘Noon’ means salt in Kashmiri language. Unlike other tea, this tea tastes salty due to addition of salt, particularly sea salt instead of sugar. Like in any other dishes of this cuisine, nuts like chopped pistachio and almonds are used here too.
This unique tasted tea is pinkish in color. The gorgeous color comes from the addition of a pinch of baking soda. Basically the chlorophyll present in the tea leaves react with the baking soda which results into a reddish color. Then the red color finally changes into pink color by addition of milk. So before adding the milk, the tea along with baking soda must be cooked enough so that the chlorophyll released from leaves and react with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). One pinch is sufficient to get the appropriate color and flavor of the tea. Beyond 1 pinch will surely spoil the taste of the tea. Here I have used 3 cup of water and added in batches to the tea. After that I got the exact reddish color of the tea. If there is no reddish color of the tea after addition of 3 cups of water, then some more water’ll be needed to get the color. This tea is most preferable during cold winter evening in Kashmir.
So do try this salty hot beverage Noon Chai / Kashmiri Pink Chai / Sheer Chai. If you tried my recipe and enjoyed fully, then please share some pictures of your creation with me. Also give your valuable feedback either in the comment box below or tag me as #firsttimercook on Instagram. You may also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and can subscribe for free to get new recipes directly into your inbox 😊
Ingredients :
Ingredients
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Measurements
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Kashmiri chai / green tea leaf
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1 tsp
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Milk (full cream)
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1 ½ cup
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Baking soda
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1 pinch
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Cardamom
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2 no
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Almond (finely chopped)
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Few
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Pistachio (finely chopped)
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Few
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Water
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3 cup
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Salt
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As needed
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Method :
- In a saucepan first take kashmiri chai leaves / green tea leaves, 1 cup water, baking soda.
- Mix well everything using a spoon and allow to boil while stirring in between till the color of the tea turns reddish brown.
- When the liquid quantity reduces a lot, then add freshly crushed cardamom, salt, 1 cup water and again allow to boil.
- Next add rest 1 cup of water and boil again till the color of the tea turns deep reddish brown while stirring in between.
- Now add milk and suddenly, the color of the tea will turn into pink.
- Boil again for 1 minute more.
- Strain and pour into serving cup.
- Sprinkle some finely chopped almonds and pistachios and serve hot !!
Notes :
I had seen this on a TV cookery show too but never tried it. I love the pink colour.. makes it look so nice and inviting.
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This is so beautiful and unique. Total eye candy ! I have never had it before. I am going to make it for my book club next time. I am sure it will be a hit ! Great share
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Have read about this tea and saw on discovery , what a lovely colour just falling in love with the recipe and pics, awsome share.
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First time seeing a pink chai which would give us a salty taste. It looks gorgeous. I am already a pink freak, this is making me fall in love with your picture. I loved your explanation on color, flavor and recipe.
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This is an awesome share dear…Kashmiri cuisine is as beautiful as Kashmir…isn’t it? Totally loving it
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How pretty and catchy this chai looks, never seen chai in pink colour. Such a delightful drink there.
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I have seen noon chai with a pinkish brown colcour.though i dont mind that flavor was often puff of by the colour. yours looks mmmmmm. i dont mind trying this.
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Pink color reminds me rose milk… but this recipe is quite unique. Chai in pink color looks yummy!
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When I first saw your pics on social media, I thought of a rose milk, never seen pink chai, must try once though 🙂 Very well Explained post.
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This kashmiri chai looking very attractive, though I never tasted it so far. You tea tempted me enough to try once. Great share.
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This looks so attractive, I have heard of this before, so now need to try it. Thanks for sharing
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Gorgeous coloured chai with salty fllavor..need to give this a try. Thanks for the share Sasmita.
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It has its own taste and fancy. Skill and knowledge is required, but both are easily acquired.comfort food recipes
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