Sulaimani tea -a fluid continuum of history and tradition. Hailing from the Malabar region of Kerala, this fragrant and refreshing drink speaks volumes on the rich cultural exchange between the Arabs and India's coastal regions. Often taken after a sumptuous meal, Sulaimani tea is famous for its light taste and subtle spiciness, just right for digestion. It is just like a soul-warming drink as every sip will take you to a combination of delicate flavors, soothing, yet invigorating.
Ingredients Used for Sulaimani Tea
The beauty of Sulaimani tea lies in its simplicity. You do not need a pantry full of otherworldly ingredients, just a bunch of everyday things coming together to create that something extra!
Here is what you will need:
- Water- 1 cup or 150 ml
- Black Tea Leaves- ½ tsp
- Cardamom- 22-3 pods
- Cinnamon- 1 stick
- Cloves- 2
- Ginger- 1 inch
- Lemon- ½ or to taste
- Honey or Sugar- to taste
Steps to Make Sulaimani Tea
Now it is time to brew your cup of Sulaimani tea. Follow the following easy steps:
- Boil Water: Take about two cups of water and start boiling it in a saucepan.
2. Add Spices: Once the water starts boiling, add the cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and slices of ginger. Let the spices simmer for a few minutes to release their flavors.
3. Adding the Tea Leaves: Add to the boiling water a teaspoon of black tea leaves. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the color changes into rich amber.
4 .Sweetening the Tea: Add honey or sugar to taste, and stir , Add fresh lemon juice just before removing the tea from heat. Refreshing tang against the spices.
5.Strain and Serve: Pour into cups and discard spices and tea leaves. Best consumed hot for the ultimate taste and aroma of Sulaimani tea.
Notes
If a more spicy taste is preferred, add spice or steep longer. Adjust to taste
- Tea Leaves Quantity You can always adjust the amount of tea leaves to your taste for the perfect amount of strong or weak. Remember that traditionally Sulaimani tea is super light, so don't overdo it!
- Choices of sweetener Honey works well to give a natural sweetness, but for a purist, a simple sugar syrup does the job just as well.
- Adding Lemon Last Lemon juice must always be added towards the end, so that its freshness is not cooked away and it doesn't get bitter.
FAQ
1. Can I use tea bags instead of loose tea leaves?
Yes, you can use black tea bags if you cannot get loose tea leaves, but always opt for a good brand for good flavor.
2. Is Sulaimani tea served with milk?
No, Sulaimani is never traditionally served with milk. The light clear brew provides uniqueness in it.
3. Can I make Sulaimani tea in advance?
It is best drunk fresh, but one can prepare the spice diffusion water in advance and add tea leaves and lemon at the time of serving.
Conclusion
Sulaimani tea has retained the connotation of hospitality, warmth, and tradition: sipping a glass of Sulaimani shared among friends or those quiet moments with yourself-so reminded that at times, it is the little things in life that count. So, the next time you need comforting refreshment, try Sulaimani tea. Happy brewing!