Lebanese Spiced Tea (Printable Version)
Fragrant black tea with warming Middle Eastern spices for a comforting drink.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tea & Water
01 - 4 cups water
02 - 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 4 black tea bags
→ Spices
03 - 1 cinnamon stick
04 - 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
05 - 4 whole cloves
06 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
07 - 1 star anise (optional)
→ Sweetener & Garnish
08 - 2-3 tablespoons sugar or honey, to taste
09 - Lemon slices (optional)
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Combine water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and star anise (if using) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
02 - Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse their flavors into the water.
03 - Add loose black tea or tea bags to the saucepan. Simmer for 3-5 minutes depending on desired strength.
04 - Remove from heat and strain the tea into a teapot or directly into cups, discarding the spices and tea leaves or bags. Stir in sweetener to taste and serve hot with optional lemon garnish.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The warmth from the spices feels like being wrapped in a cozy blanket on cold days
- Its incredibly forgiving and you can adjust the spices to match whatever mood youre in
02 -
- Dont rush the spice infusion step those five minutes are where all the flavor develops
- The tea will continue to steep even after you remove it from heat so strain it promptly
03 -
- Crush cardamom pods just before adding them to preserve their essential oils
- If the tea becomes too strong dilute it with a little hot water rather than adding more sweetener