There is something inherently satisfying about sipping hot tea when it’s raining or snowing outside. Kashmiri Kahwa is one such tea consumed in Kashmir (northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent) and in neighboring regions, to help keep warm and cozy during the cold winters. However for ‘teaholics’, kashmiri kahwa is always a favorite no matter what the weather is.
Kahwa was introduced to me years ago by a friend and I absolutely fell in love with its heavenly aroma even before I took a sip. The tea was clear with no milk and had a lovely tint of deep amber. As I savored each sip of kahwa, I could taste the familiar notes of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves and nutty nuances of almonds balanced by fragrant aroma of saffron. From then on, I became an instant kahwa lover.
Kahwa (also spelled kahva or Qehwa), is basically a green tea from the Kashmir valley. Its origin dates back to times immemorial & has been a part of local consumption for ages. No festival or gathering in Kashmiri households is complete without a cup of Kahwa. There is a Kahwa for every occasion – classic Kahwa, Doodh Kahwa and the Shangri Kahwa. There are at least 36 varieties of kahwa. Each one of them has its own distinctive flavor, smell and taste.
This classic Kashmiri kahwa tea is usually infused with green cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon and sometimes cloves. Some varieties of kahwa are made as a herbal infusion only, without the green tea leaves. On rare occasions, a few rose petals may be added as well. The recipe differs from family to family and greatly depends on personal preference. Kahwa is traditionally made in a copper kettle called samovar and is served in tiny, shallow cups with crushed nuts such as walnuts or almonds (which are grown locally) along with sugar or honey. The infusions in kahwa are not only good for digestion but also great when you crave for a combination of little taste, aroma and little warmth in your cup.
A warming drink made of kashmiri green tea leaves, whole spices, saffron and nuts.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp kashmiri green tea leaves or 1 pouch regular green tea
- 8-10 strands saffron (I prefer to buy saffron from Persian store for a strong and fresh aroma )
- 1 -1" piece cinnamon
- 3 green cardamom
- few dried rose petals (optional)
- 2 cloves
- 2 tbsp finely crushed or slivered almonds
- 3 cups water
- Honey or sugar
Instructions
- Heat 3 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Add cinnamon, green cardamom and cloves(if using).
- Once the water starts to boil add the saffron, simmer the water for 2-4 minutes, keeping the saucepan covered.
- Add green tea leaves and immediately turn off the heat. Let it steep for 1 min (For stronger flavor steep for 2-4 minutes). Sweeten with honey or sugar as per your taste.
- Add crushed or slivered almonds to the cups, now strain the tea over. You can also add saffron strands (optional) for enhanced flavor.
- Enjoy!
Juliana
Wow, this tea sounds amazing…I am loving the aroma of it…as I can almost smell it from here…I would love to try. Thanks for the post Balvinder.
Have a wonderful week!
Tarnjit Hemer
I’ve never heard of this before! It sounds delicious!!
I’ll make some with green tea I have at home for now and I’ll check out Kahwa at the local Indian supermarket. I was getting tired of my regular cuppa so this is a welcome alternative and treat!!!
angiesrecipes
I grew up drinking tea and this is something I haven’t tried yet…love all those wonderful spices in it.
Laura
Oooh, Balvinder, this tea sounds so cozy and inviting. Love those flavors!
Jaanvi
Yum! I love how easy this is. Made this today and the taste was wonderful. My husband was just so excited even by the aroma.
I have the picture but not sure how to share it in the comments section.
Balvinder
You can’t share pictures in the comments here which is a shame but you can share it on faceook or Instagram using the hashtag #simpleglutenfreekitchen. Thank you so much for leaving feedback. I really appreciate it!
Kelly | Foodtasia
What a lovely tea! I make a green Arabic coffee (also called qahwa) flavored with cardamom, saffron, and cloves. I wonder if there is any relation between the two? I will definitely have to try this as I am much more of a tea rather than coffee drinker.
Balvinder
Hi Kelly, the arabic word “qahwa” does mean coffee but in kashmiri language kahwa refers to sweetened tea. It is abundantly healthy as it contains nuts, and spices in a green tea base.
Emma - Bake Then Eat
What a wonderful combination of spices sounds so warming.
Easyfoodsmith
I have never enjoyed doodh wali chai but I am a sucker for Kashmiri Kahwa. SO good!