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    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Indian Beverages » Kashmiri Kahwa Tea

    Published: Oct 3, 2022 | Last Updated On: Feb 20, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Kashmiri Kahwa Tea

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    Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home (vegan, gluten-free).

    Here are some more tea recipes that you may like – Lemongrass Chai, Sulaimani Chai, Pudina Chai, Irani Chai, Ginger Turmeric Tea, and Dry Fruits Tea.

    Kashmiri kahwa tea served in a glass.
    Jump to:
    • About Kashmiri Kahwa
    • Health Benefits Of Kahwa
    • Ingredients
    • Pro Tips By Neha
    • How To Make Kahwa Tea
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About Kashmiri Kahwa

    Kashmiri Kahwa Tea (Kehwa Chai) is a traditional Kashmiri tea flavored with cardamom and infused with cloves, cinnamon, and saffron. It has a very delicate taste, and it soothes the body.

    It is a popular beverage, and people throughout Kashmir keep sipping on this to keep their bodies warm during the severe cold months.

    The ingredients, such as kesar (saffron strands) and whole spices, give instant relief to the body from the chilled weather outside.

    While kahwa is popularly made in winter, you can definitely make it throughout the year. 

    Kehwa was traditionally prepared in a brass or copper kettle known as Samovar.

    A samovar consists of a “fire container” running as a central cavity, in which live coals keep the chai perpetually hot.

    Around the fire container is a space for water to boil, and the tea leaves and other ingredients are mixed with the water.

    People in Kashmir make big batches of this tea drink and store it in a samovar. The kahwah remains warm for many hours, and they keep sipping throughout the day.

    Kahwa drink is generally served with a sprinkling of thinly slivered dried nuts and fruits like almonds, pistachios, or cashew nuts, almonds being the most popular.

    My Kashmiri kahwa recipe to make this Kashmiri chai serves 2, but you can quickly scale the recipe.

    Health Benefits Of Kahwa

    Kashmiri Kahwa has many health benefits, and you should try to include it in your lifestyle.

    It is usually served after meals in any Kashmiri household as it aids digestion and burns fat. It also helps in weight loss.

    Kehwa reduces the risk of heart disease by keeping the deposition of cholesterol in check. It also keeps a check on blood pressure levels.

    Saffron used in kahwa is rich in vitamin e, vitamin c, and vitamin b12 and aids in immunity building and keeping the body’s defense mechanism in check.

    Since it is rich in antioxidants, it is a great stress buster and helps improve metabolism.

    It keeps blood sugar levels in check and maintains oral hygiene.

    It is an excellent remedy for sore throat, colds, and coughs and improves skin health.

    Ingredients

    Kashmiri Kahwa Tea Ingredients

    To make kehwah, you need a few ingredients, such as Kashmiri green tea, saffron strands, cinnamon, cloves, dried rose petals, cardamom, and almonds.

    Kahwa tastes the best when made using the Kashmiri variety of green tea. Having said that, use any green tea leaves that are readily available to you.

    Use the best quality saffron. Try to buy saffron from a trusted source. Since it is a costly spice, it is prone to adulteration.

    If you like your Kahwah to be a little sweet, add a little honey while it’s hot and mix it properly. 

    You can use pistachios or cashew nuts in place of almonds.

    Pro Tips By Neha

    The only thing to remember while making Kahwa is that you should not add tea leaves while the heat is on.

    It helps retain the tea’s nutrition intact and does not hamper the taste.

    Strain the tea after one minute of infusing; otherwise, it will become bitter.

    How To Make Kahwa Tea

    Heat 3 cups of water in a pan over medium-high heat.

    Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.

    Add

    • 10-12 strands of saffron
    • ½ inch piece of cinnamon stick
    • 1 clove
    • 1 green cardamom
    • ½ teaspoon dried rose petals

    to the pan and let the water simmer for 3-4 minutes.

    Saffron, spices and rose petals added to boiling water.

    Switch off the heat.

    Add 1 teaspoon Kashmiri green tea to the pan and stir gently. 

    Green tea added to the pan.

    Let the tea steep for 30-40 seconds.

    Tip – Cover the pan with a lid to keep the chai warm.

    Strain the kahwa into 2 cups using a fine tea strainer. 

    Straining the tea.

    Add 1 teaspoon slivered almond slivers and 1-2 strands of saffron to each cup. 

    Add honey if you like your kahwa slightly sweet. Serve hot.

    Honey added to the glass.
    Ready Kashmiri kahwa tea.

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    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home.

    Kashmiri Kahwa Tea Recipe

    Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home.
    4.32 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 54kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 3 cups water
    • 10-12 strands saffron (plus 3-4 more for serving)
    • ½ inch piece of cinnamon stick
    • 1 clove
    • 1 whole green cardamom (lightly crushed)
    • ½ teaspoon dried rose petals
    • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri green tea (or any other green tea)
    • 2 teaspoons almonds (thinly silvered)
    • 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
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    Instructions

    • Heat water in a pan over medium-high heat.
    • Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.
    • Add saffron, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and dried rose petals to the pan and let the water simmer for 3-4 minutes.
    • Switch off the heat.
    • Add green tea to the pan and stir gently. 
    • Let the chai steep for 30-40 seconds.
    • Tip – You can cover the pan with a lid to keep the tea warm.
    • Strain the kahwa into 2 cups using a fine tea strainer. 
    • Add 1 teaspoon of slivered almond slivers and 1-2 strands of saffron to each cup. 
    • Add honey if you like your kahwa slightly sweet. Serve hot.

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLp44P0lmjQ

    Notes

    My recipe to make this Kashmiri tea serves 2 but you can easily scale the recipe.
    The only thing to keep in mind while making Kahwa is that you should not add tea leaves while the heat is on.
    It helps to retain the nutrition in the tea intact and does not hamper the taste.
    Strain the teaafter one minute of infusing otherwise it will become bitter.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.8mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Subha

      January 14, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      Hi! Where can one source the Kashmiri tea from in bangalore? Thanks!

      Reply
      • msnehamathur

        January 15, 2016 at 12:15 pm

        Try ordering it online. I ordered mine through Amazon.

        Reply
      • Kashmir

        February 19, 2020 at 7:22 pm

        5 stars
        Mam You Can Try Kashmir online store they have Authentic and Real Kashmiri Kahwa

        Reply
    2. Guisela Fabian

      January 15, 2016 at 12:07 pm

      Oh God! By merely judging the presentation of this beverage, it already reminded me of the romantic dinner dates with my husband! I just hope it tastes good.

      Reply
      • msnehamathur

        January 15, 2016 at 12:13 pm

        Thnx Guisela. You must try this once. We loved it.

        Reply
    3. Sonia

      May 02, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      Is kahwa tea salty in taste

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        May 06, 2019 at 2:57 am

        No it’s not. It’s the other tea from mountains which is called Noon Chai. That is salty, not Kahwa.

        Reply
    4. Nancy Amanna

      October 10, 2022 at 8:51 am

      5 stars
      Just love it! Had it during my visit to Leh Ladakh! Yak farm!! Yak lassi and kahwa tea! The taste ahh!!

      Reply

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