Zafrani Chai

Serves 2

10 mins

91 Kcal

Zafarani Chai is a rich, aromatic Indian tea steeped in the deep-throated flavours of saffron. This zafrani chai recipe combines the boldness of black tea with the luxurious essence of saffron to create a warm, fragrant beverage perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat. The essence of saffron gives this golden hue and a nearly floral sweetness that is subtle but elevates the tea's taste into a unique and festive drink. To start the preparation of this zafrani chai recipe, water is boiled with crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon, and cloves to create a fragrant spice base. Add loose black tea leaves or tea bags, which are allowed to soak up the flavours, and then a milky liquid is added to give it a creamy texture. A few strands of saffron are soaked in warm water or milk to extract its colour and flavour into the simmering tea. Sprinkle sugar or honey into the chai to your liking, then serve the tea hot, garnishing it with extra strands of saffron and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added richness. Zafrani Chai is a sizzling, cheerful drink loved during chillier months or on special festive events. The saffron and spices infuse with a subtle yet different twist to the hot, fluffy chai, making it a decadent drink perfect for any gathering. Drinking with the family or on a solitary afternoon, this recipe for zafrani chai invites one into the category of tradition and elegance.

Ingredients required for Zafrani Chai

1 tbsp tea
1.05 cup milk
10 saffron
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp cardamom powder

Cooking steps for Zafrani Chai

1
Let's explore the recipe of Zafrani chai, or saffron tea, the perfect companion for the winter.
2
Start with 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3
Once it begins to simmer, add about 10 strands of saffron.
4
Let the saffron bloom—it'll release a golden hue and a rich aroma that instantly makes this tea feel indulgent.
5
Add 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder, stirring gently to combine.
6
The sweet warmth of cardamom perfectly balances the richness of saffron.
7
Now, slowly pour in 11/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to keep the mixture creamy and smooth.
8
Once the milk is warm, add 1 tablespoon of loose tea leaves.
9
Allow the tea to steep as the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
10
The tea leaves will infuse a robust depth, while the saffron and cardamom lend their exotic, fragrant touch.
11
Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scalding and ensure everything blends beautifully.
12
Sweeten with 2 teaspoons of sugar, or more if you prefer your tea on the sweeter side, and simmer for another minute or two.
13
Strain the tea into serving cups using a fine mesh sieve to catch any residue.
14
For the final flourish, top each cup with a few saffron strands.
15
They add an elegant aesthetic and amplify the luxurious flavor.

Shop Ingredients

Tea (1 Tbsp)

140

255

492

235

160

150

689

175

Milk (1.05 Cup)

Cardamom Powder (1 Tsp)

237

359

399

315

Saffron (10)

200

277

423

403

346

854

Sugar (2 Tsp)

247

275

269

267

FAQs

What is Zafrani Chai, and how is it different from regular chai?

Zafrani chai is a vibrant and fragrant Indian tea that contains saffron (zafran), giving it a golden colour and a subtle but fragrant flavour; it's typically brewed with black tea leaves, milk, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon, among spices. Unlike the regular spiced and bold chai flavour, Zafrani chai brings an even more subtle luxurious flavour due to the infusion of saffron. The saffron imparts a distinctive earthy sweetness and a beautiful golden hue to the tea.

Can I make Zafrani Chai without saffron?

While, technically, saffron is the main ingredient that makes Zafrani chai unique in its colour and taste, you can substitute a small amount of turmeric for colour. However, the authentic taste of Zafrani Chai comes from the specific properties of saffron, which are in no way replicable. If you cannot get your hands on saffron, you can substitute the flavour with some other aromatic spices like a bit of rose water or vanilla essence; it will not have the same depth as the original version, though.

What's the best way to make Zafrani Chai?

Soak the few strands of saffron in warm milk for about 10 minutes so that the flavour of the saffron is released. Brew strong black tea leaves in water, then add saffron-infused dairy, sugar, cardamom, and whatever spice you fancy. Simmer the tea for a few minutes to dissolve all the flavours, then strain it into cups.