Adeni Chai (Karak): Spiced Cardamom Milk Tea Recipe
Adeni Chai, also known as Karak, is a robust and aromatic cardamom-spiced tea popular in Yemen and the Middle East. This rich, creamy, and sweet tea is made with black tea, fragrant spices, and evaporated milk, delivering a bold flavor that surpasses the typical chai latte. Perfect for those who enjoy a strong, spiced milk tea, Adeni Chai offers a comforting and indulgent experience in every cup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 4 cups water
- 2 Tablespoons loose black tea or 4 tea bags
Sweeteners and Spices
- ¼ cup sugar, plus more if desired
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom or 8 cardamom pods, crushed
- 4 cloves (optional)
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Dairy
- 1 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the water, sugar, black tea, cardamom, cloves (if using), cinnamon or nutmeg, and evaporated milk to a medium teapot or saucepan.
- Boil the Mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing all the flavors to infuse together.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the tea for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the mixture every 30 seconds to prevent it from overflowing and ensure even cooking.
- Serve Hot or Iced: For iced tea, allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then pour over a cup of ice and add more milk if desired. Otherwise, serve hot in glass tea cups.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste for preferred sweetness.
- Using crushed cardamom pods instead of ground cardamom will provide a fresher, more robust flavor.
- Be attentive while simmering to avoid the tea overflowing due to milk content.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute evaporated milk with coconut or almond milk, though this will alter traditional flavor.
- This tea can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, consumed within 2 days for best flavor.