Kashmir…..A land of beauty… lakes…. mountains and mountain streams, lush, green valleys and glorious culture. A most perfect place to visit, you can say a “Heaven on earth”.
Kashmiris, are known for their hospitality, loving nature and for their slow-steeped milk tea, known to non-Azad Kashmiris simply as “Kashmiri Chai.”
I visited RAWALAKOT (5 years ago), Known as the ‘Pearl Valley of Azad Kashmir’ one of the beautiful cities of Kashmir. With the breathtaking view and enchanting waterfalls, the town has big markets providing all essential commodities.I got the opportunity to spend time and interact with Kashmiris,I fell in love with the Kashmiri hospitality which was showered on us as if we were the visiting presidents.
The main purpose of the visit was to attend my husband’s friend wedding.It was a great opportunity to see a wedding ceremony and traditions. There were several unique features that make Kashmiri wedding traditions quite distinctive from the traditions of other provinces of Pakistan.
Along with other traditional dishes at wedding lunch we got the famous Pink Tea (Kashmiri Chai). Although it was a saltish and they called it Salooni Cha….:)
Its a concoction that works wonders in winters…Enjoy this nutty and aromatic pink tea with me…lol
INGREDIENTS:
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sugar | to taste |
| Salt | pinch |
| Kashmiri tea leaves | 1 tbsp |
| Baking soda | pinch (to enhance the color) |
| Cardamom | 2 nos |
| Pistachio and almonds | as needed |
| Red food color(optional) | few drops |
METHOD:
- In a cup of water add tea leaves and cover with a lid let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 mins add cardamom and soda and let it simmer for 10 minutes.Meanwhile with a small ladle or spoon whisk it constantly.As soon as a brownish pink color appear add other ingredients.You can add food color for a beautiful pink color also (if you like)
- Add sugar and salt ,again mix and add milk.
- Let it cook on low flame for 5 mins and then serve with thinly sliced nuts.
