After they arrived we exchanged our customary rituals and made them comfortable. Our dogs (we asked them to bring theirs’) also started to socialize. In that amiable atmosphere of socialization I poured my guests the Green tea. The mother of our daughter’s friend took a sip and then hesitantly put the cup down. I could see she did not get the delight from that sip which a tea usually gives. Everybody else looked fine.
She tried to change the topic and said that when she entered our house she smelled the aroma of Cinnamon. I got the hint and poured masala chai for her in another cup. The moment she had her first sip. She was like, Whoa ! ” This is wonderful, so aromatic” “Just like the one in Starbucks but little different and more tasty”. I thanked for her compliment and asked, How did she like my green tea? She kind of hesitated at first then said, Our green tea looked and taste more like black tea. I liked her honesty and showed her which green tea we buy.
She had no idea of these brands and felt sorry for not liking the taste.
I assured her not to feel bad as she was not alone as I have also felt Tetley green tea like black tea with a slight bitter taste. People I suppose are used to certain type of taste, texture and visual appearance. Her husband works in Japan and she always her tea from there.
After this incident my mission to find the right green tea began and I did get my first green tea (gun powder tea, a popular variety of oolong tea) from Chinese market. When I held the pouch in my hand I was confused and surprised because it does not feel like it has tea leaves in it. I was told that it has withered leaves which are rolled in the form of pellets. They will unfold when come in contact with water.
I boiled 2 cups water in a pot, added 1 tsp tea pellets in the stainer of teapot. Then poured the boiling water over tea pellets. Steeped for 3 minutes.This is what I got. It has a very pale greenish yellow shade. Look at the leaves in the other cup, how beautifully they unfurled.
I was little hesitant to try as if it was a medicine. However, on I my first sip I was amazed at the mild, grassy and smoky flavor from that light colored water. It was a familiar taste, which I had at the feet massage people. The taste was not bitter not that sweet. I am not sure how far I am right in getting the right flavor and color. But it did feel I was drinking green tea.
When I steeped this tea I was not expecting something I would love but now I do. I was told that I can re brew the same tea leaves 3 times. My mission green tea was successful.
MASALA CHAI (spiced tea)
Masala tea is spiced tea and you can add any spices that you like.
Ingredients for two cups of tea:
1cup +1tbsp 1%milk
1 cup+1tbsp water
2 black tea bags (any good quality)
sugar or honey as per taste is optional
1/2 tsp tea masala.
Ingredients for tea masala:
Straining the tea is very important otherwise the masala will come into your mouth. I add 1 tbsp of water and milk extra because I do not pour the last 2 tbsp of tea where the masala has settled down. To avoid this you can grind 1″ cinnamon stick and 1″ round piece of dry ginger in place of putting powder. My coffee grinder does not grind the stick and dry ginger root very well so I added the powder.
In winters I additionally add 1/2 tsp of fresh ground ginger while boiling the above tea.
For people who have never tried Indian tea make your taste buds accustomed first with cardamom tea. Add 1/2 tsp coarsely ground green cardamom to one cup of tea while boiling it.
Go ahead and add the zip to your day with masala chai.
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