Name: Kashmiri Kahwa
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 leaves green tea (whole); 5 pieces green cardamom (whole pods); 1 piece cinnamon (1-inch stick, broken into small pieces); 3 cups water; 6 pieces cloves (whole); 10 pieces rose petals (dry); 6 strands saffron (kesar); Almonds – a few (chopped); Saffron – a few strands; Honey – a teaspoon for each cup of kahwa; Dry rose petals – a few

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A traditional Kashmiri kahwa consists of green tea leaves that have been boiled in water seasoned with crushed cinnamon and green cardamom. The tea also has spicy additions of saffron, dry rose petals, and whole cloves. Besides, according to the authentic recipe, chopped almonds, honey, saffron, and dry rose petals are mixed in the tea before serving. Follow my simple recipe to know the steps of making Kashmiri Kahwa at home.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Kashmiri kahwa is a popular traditional beverage in India, especially enjoyed in Kashmir during cold weather and festive occasions.
It is best served hot with light biscuits, toast, or dry snacks.

The drink has a mild, natural, and earthy taste with gentle spice and floral notes.
Other similar recipes are saffron green tea, Kashmiri noon chai, and herbal green tea.

The Ingredients:

6 leaves green tea (whole)
5 pieces green cardamom (whole pods)
1 piece cinnamon (1-inch stick, broken into small pieces)
3 cups water
6 pieces cloves (whole)
10 pieces rose petals (dry)
6 strands saffron (kesar)
Almonds – a few, chopped
Saffron – a few strands
Honey – a teaspoon for each cup of kahwa
Dry rose petals – a few

One cold winter evening, we visited a neighbor’s house, whose wife hails from the Kashmir Valley. It was freezing outside, and so after dinner, she prepared this kahwa in authentic Kashmiri style for all of us to bring back warmth. It actually worked. The taste and flavor attracted me, and so I asked for the steps to make it. She obliged me, and I wrote down every step on a piece of paper.

The next evening, I made it in my kitchen, following the exact steps as she narrated. It turned out well, just as I expected. Drinking the light and warm tea was really a delight for us all. The flavor inspired my husband, while my sons enjoyed it with biscuits, asking for more. I thanked my luck that I found this recipe, which features regularly in winter months now.

How to Make Kashmiri Kahwa? (Step by Step Guide with Images)

Step 1: Take 5 pieces of green cardamom (whole pods) and 1 piece of cinnamon (1-inch stick, broken into small pieces) in a mortar and pestle and crush them roughly.

Step 2: Now, take 3 cups of water in a saucepan, cover it, and let it come to a boil. Then, add the ground masala to it along with 6 pieces of whole cloves. Let it boil nicely. Now, add 10 pieces of dry rose petals to it.

Step 3: Now, add 6 strands of saffron (kesar) to it. Now, stir everything nicely. Cover the saucepan and let it boil for about 10 minutes on a low flame.

Step 4: Now, add 6 leaves of green tea. Cover the saucepan and switch off the gas stove. Let it rest for a minute or two.

Step 5: While the kahwa rests, take two cups and put a few chopped almonds, a few strands of saffron, a teaspoon of honey, and a few dry rose petals in each of the two cups. Now, pour the kahwa in each cup using a sieve or strainer. Stir nicely to dissolve the honey.