Tea or ‘chai’ isn't just a drink, it's an art, an emotion, and a moment of pure bliss. If you’re a chai lover, you know what we mean!
Whether starting off your day or unwinding after a long hectic evening, tea for any chai lovers is no less than a ritual that soothes their soul and lifts their spirits for the day. Be it a rainy day or the cold winters, or even the beautiful summers, a simple ‘chai ki chuski’ just brings comfort and joy to their daily rituals.
Now, there’s no end to the creativity in tea-making. Be it a strong black tea, creamy masala chai, the spiced ginger tea, the smoky tandoori chai, refreshing iced tea, or the soothing camomile tea, there's a blend for everyone, and each cup tells a story. Yet for many of us there's always that lingering guilt when we add spoonfuls of white sugar to our beloved brew. Yes, we all know that refined sugar isn’t the best for our health, but what’s a cup of tea without its sweet touch? So, what if we told you there’s a way to enjoy your favorite brew without compromising on health?
Wondering how? Simply swap your cup of refined sugar with a healthy upgrade of jaggery.
Why Jaggery?
Known as gud, sharkara, or bellum in various cultures, jaggery isn’t just a sweetener but a powerhouse of nutrients. A delightful blend of tradition and wellness, jaggery is packed with iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery boosts immunity and offers relief from common ailments like colds and coughs. Thus, adding jaggery to your chai, you not only get a flavourful sweetness, but also ensure an improved nutritional value.
Now, let's explore the different varieties of jaggery tea recipes. Read on to find more.
Jaggery Tea Without Milk
For those who enjoy the robust flavors of black tea, here’s how to brew a cup of jaggery tea or ‘Gur ki chai’ that’s brimming with goodness. First, let`s list out the ingredients:
Ingredients:
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Fresh ginger, crushed
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Cardamom pods, cloves, and black pepper
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Your favorite tea leaves
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Jaggery (powdered or crushed)
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Water
Cooking steps
So, how do we prepare the ‘Gud ki chai’? Let's discuss the steps in detail.
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Boil a cup of water in a tea pan.
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While the water is boiling, take all the whole spices and ginger in a mortar and pestle and crush them together. This will release all the juices and oils of the spices and ginger, enhancing the flavors and aroma of the tea.
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Add the crushed mixture to the boiling water and let it simmer for two minutes.
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Now, add tea leaves and let it simmer until you get the desired color.
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Now, it’s time to add jaggery powder or crushed jaggery to the tea. Mix well until the jaggery dissolves completely.
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Taste a spoonful of tea and adjust if more jaggery or water is needed.
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Strain the tea with the help of a tea strainer, and enjoy.
Now, did you know that black jaggery tea offers even more health benefits than milk tea? It’s perfect for tackling weather changes, seasonal flu, sore throats, colds, and headaches. Plus, you can customize it to suit your health needs with various concoctions.
But if black tea isn’t your thing, don’t worry! The next version of jaggery tea with milk is just as healthy and might be more to your taste.
So, let’s dive into the recipe!
Jaggery Tea With Milk
There is something unique about milk tea as it's richer than black tea, and leaves a memorable taste that all chai lovers cherish. However, jaggery when added to milk directly, mostly leads to its curdling. So, what's the fix? It's easy! Follow this recipe to avoid curdling.
Here, you'll need the same ingredients as that of black tea, plus milk. Next, let's learn how to make it.
Steps to Prepare Jaggery Tea with Milk:
There are two methods - the traditional British way and a more common method. Let's explore both.
The British way of preparing Jaggery tea:In this method -
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Start by making the black tea with jaggery as explained earlier.
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Next, put it aside and boil the milk separately.
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Strain half a cup of black tea with jaggery into a cup, then add the hot boiled milk.
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Stir well, and your jaggery tea with milk is ready to enjoy.
This traditional British method avoids curdling and is still popular in many homes. However, if you prefer your tea piping hot, this method might not be for you. Don't worry, the next method will give you the steaming hot cup of tea you crave.
Easy method to make Jaggery Tea with Milk (No Curdling!):
This recipe is foolproof, quick, and easy and will definitely please your tastebuds.
Ingredients:
Cooking Instructions
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The first step is to boil one cup of water and add crushed ginger and cardamom to it.
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After two minutes, add jaggery or gud and give it a good mix.
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Now, add the tea powder and let it simmer for a few minutes.
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In a separate pan, boil a cup of milk.
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Now, add the boiled milk to the tea mixture.
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Turn the flame off after one boil and serve.
Pro Tip: Don’t boil the milk with a tea-jaggery concoction for more than one boil, or else it will curdle. Avoid adding cold milk to the tea. If you follow these tips, the tea will not curdle.
FAQs
Q: Is it good to drink jaggery tea every day?
A: Yes, you can enjoy jaggery tea daily, but stick to one or two servings. If you're diabetic or have high blood sugar, check with your doctor for the right amount.
Q: Is drinking jaggery tea good for your health?
A: Absolutely! Jaggery tea can help relieve headaches and stress. Its cleansing properties can also help with coughs and colds.
Q: Can we boil jaggery with milk?
A: No, jaggery can make milk curdle due to its acidity. To avoid this, add jaggery to warm milk separately or mix boiled milk with the jaggery tea.
Q: Can we have jaggery tea on an empty stomach?
A: It's best to avoid tea or coffee first thing in the morning. Instead, enjoy jaggery tea with breakfast or a light snack.
Q: Does jaggery curdle milk?
A: Yes, jaggery can curdle milk if not added properly. Dissolve jaggery in a bit of hot water before adding it to milk to prevent this.
Q: Why does milk curdle when jaggery is added?
A: Jaggery makes milk a bit acidic, causing it to curdle or get lumpy.
Q: What are the benefits of jaggery tea?
A: Jaggery tea is packed with antioxidants, aids digestion, and is a natural sweetener. It's a healthier choice compared to refined sugar.
Q: How many calories are in jaggery?
A: One teaspoon (about 7 grams) of jaggery has roughly 25 calories. The exact number may vary depending on the type and brand of jaggery used.
Conclusion
Therefore, whether you're a devoted chai aficionado or someone seeking a healthier alternative, jaggery tea stands out as every cup here is a celebration of flavor and wellness. At Two Brothers Organic Farms, we’re passionate about bringing you the finest organic jaggery to elevate your tea experience. Pure, unprocessed, and bursting with natural goodness, our jaggery is a perfect match for your favorite brew.
So, why wait? Treat yourself to a cup of jaggery tea today and embrace the warmth, sweetness, and wellness it brings. So, cheers to good health, great taste, and a healthier you!
