Kahwa, which originates in Kashmir, is a supremely aromatic and delicate green tea flavored with spices, such as cardamom, saffron and cinnamon, and served with almonds. Traditionally, it is prepared in an ornate tea kettle called a samovar. Kashmir is known for its fragrant rose gardens, and some homes add dried rose petals to their kahwa, as I do in this recipe. This delectable tea is bound to fill up your senses and warm your soul.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 15 min |
| Active: | 15 min |
| Yield: | 2 cups |
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 15 min |
| Active: | 15 min |
| Yield: | 2 cups |
Ingredients
- Deselect All
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 10 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 teaspoons sugar (see Cook’s Note)
- 3 tablespoons food-grade dried rose petals, plus a few for garnish, optional
- 2 teaspoons green tea or 1 green tea bag
- 3 tablespoons blanched almonds, chopped or coarsely crushed
Instructions
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Divide the saffron between 2 serving cups. Add 1 tablespoon boiling water to the saffron in each cup and let steep while you make the kahwa base.
- Coarsely smash the cardamom and cinnamon in a mortar and pestle. Add to the water in the saucepan along with the sugar and boil until the water is infused with the spices and the mixture has reduced to 2 cups, about 8 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the rose petals, if using, and cover. After 1 minute, add the green tea, cover and steep for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Because green tea is a very delicate tea, adding it to boiling water often scorches the tea leaves and results in a harsh flavor, as does over-steeping the tea. You want the delicate green tea flavor to balance out the aromatic spices and sweetness.
- Divide the almonds between the 2 cups. Strain the tea base into the cups with the saffron and almonds. Garnish with a couple of rose petals if using. Serve with a small spoon to eat the almonds after the tea has been consumed.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 2 servings |
| Calories | 105 |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
| Serving Size | 1 of 2 servings |
| Calories | 105 |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 3 mg |