Warm Up Your Winter: Is there anything more comforting on a chilly winter morning than a steaming cup of gur tea? This traditional South Asian beverage, made with jaggery, milk, and tea leaves, offers a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Jaggery, a natural sweetener derived from concentrated sugarcane or palm sap, is packed with essential nutrients like iron, vitamin C, and minerals. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar and is believed to have several health benefits, including boosting immunity and aiding digestion.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or dried ginger
- Green cardamom pods
- Water
- Jaggery
- Black tea leaves
- Whole milk
Instructions:
Prep the spices: Lightly crush a few pieces of fresh ginger and a couple of green cardamom pods to release their flavors.
Boil the water: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the crushed ginger and cardamom pods.
Add jaggery: Reduce the heat and add jaggery to the simmering water. Stir until the jaggery dissolves completely.
Steep the tea: Add black tea leaves to the jaggery-infused water and let it steep for a few minutes.
Add milk: Carefully pour heated whole milk into the tea mixture. Important: Ensure that both the tea mixture and the milk are at a similar temperature to prevent the milk from curdling.
Simmer and serve: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches your desired sweetness and strength, remove from heat and strain into cups.
Tips for the Perfect Gur Tea (Warm Up Your Winter):
Use whole milk: Whole milk adds richness and creaminess to the tea.
Heat both liquids: Both the tea mixture and the milk should be heated before combining to prevent the milk from curdling.
Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of jaggery to suit your taste.
Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Serve immediately: For the best flavor, serve the tea hot.
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