It has come to my attention (via my very observant son) that my blog has been seriously lacking in the tea department. Two lonely drink recipes? Unacceptable. Especially when Swahili Tea, my absolute favorite, is practically a daily ritual in my house (Yes, yes…sometimes it spills). So today, we right this wrong with a proper ode to this spiced, comforting masterpiece.
Now, let’s get one thing straight, this isn’t just tea. This is a warm embrace…a gentle pat on the back…a cup full of nostalgia and the reason I function in the morning. The blend of tea leaves, fragrant spices, milk, and water is a symphony of comfort that will have you feeling like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, even if it’s 40°C outside.
Why Swahili Tea? If you’ve never had the pleasure of sipping on this beauty, you’re missing out. Swahili Tea, also known as Chai ya Maziwa, is a staple in many East African homes. Unlike your standard tea-with-milk situation, this one is slow-cooked to perfection letting the spices fully infuse into the liquid gold that will bring you pure joy in every sip.
And let’s be real, the whole house smells like a fancy spice market while it’s brewing. Win-win.
My Signature Swahili Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 ml milk because creamy tea is superior tea
- 200 ml water
- 2 teaspoons loose tea leaves or 2 tea bags, but we’re fancy here
- 3 cardamom pods lightly crushed
- 2 cloves not more unless you want your tea to taste like a dental appointment
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- ½ inch piece of fresh ginger sliced (or more if you like a spicy kick)
- Sugar or honey to taste optional, but highly recommended if you like a little sweetness
Instructions
- In a pot, combine the water, tea leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it dance together for about 5 minutes. The goal is to extract all the goodness from the spices and tea.
- Add the milk and continue to simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally and enjoy the fragrance taking over your kitchen.
- Strain into cups and sweeten as desired.
- Take a sip, close your eyes, and pretend you’re on the Swahili coast, listening to the waves (even if the reality is that your toddler is screaming in the background).
Notes
Did you try this recipe out?
How did it go? Comment below and if you took a pic, tag me @swahilifood on Instagram and hashtag it #swahilifood.
I sure am making this tea, sounds delicious 😋
Favourite way to enjoy tea: in peace.