Kashmiri Kahwah is an iconic spiced tea from the Kashmir region of India. Rich in flavor and aroma, it’s a traditional Indian beverage that’s often served on special occasions like weddings and religious festivals. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of this beloved tea and share a recipe for making it at home!
What is Kahwah?
This traditional Kashmiri tea is flavored with cardamom and infused with cloves, cinnamon, and saffron. It is a fragrant, mild green tea made with whole spices, saffron, and almonds and is originally from the Kashmiri cuisine. The hot tea is prepared using Kashmiri green tea powder (Kahwa or Kehwa), water, cinnamon, green cardamom, and saffron. Adding these spices gives it a unique flavor and aroma that makes it stand out from other teas. Besides being a great source of antioxidants, it’s supposed to be good for you.
Origin of Kahwah
Kashmiri green tea leaves, whole spices, nuts, and saffron are blended to make Kahwa, which is traditionally prepared in a brass kettle called a samovar. This traditional Indian beverage is said to have originated in the Kashmir valley, India, centuries ago. It has since then been a part of the Kashmiri culture and has been enjoyed by generations of individuals. The aromatic flavor of Kahwah is due to the unique combination of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and saffron, which gives it its distinct flavor. The addition of almonds gives it a nutty and rich taste. Kashmiri Kahwah is prepared by boiling green tea leaves, whole spices, and nuts in water, which provides it with its golden hue. This hot beverage is said to be very beneficial for health and is often consumed in the mornings to start off the day with a refreshing cup of Kahwah.
Benefits of Drinking Kahwah
Kahwah is a fragrant, mild green tea made with whole spices, saffron, and almonds and is originally from the Kashmiri cuisine. It’s a popular drink across the country, known for its health benefits. Drinking a cup of Kashmiri Kahwa can help to boost your energy levels and provide you with a range of health benefits.
Antioxidants in Kashmiri Kahwa reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health. It also helps to improve digestion, boost the immune system, and promote weight loss. The combination of spices used to make kahwa can also help reduce stress levels, enhance sleep quality, improve brain function and even aid in preventing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Kahwa is also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, which are essential for healthy bones and organs. Additionally, the presence of antioxidants helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The combination of spices in Kashmiri Kahwa can also help to reduce bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. You can reduce your heart disease and stroke risk this way. Furthermore, drinking kahwa can help to regulate blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
Drinking kahwa can also help to improve blood circulation throughout the body, reducing the risk of developing clots or stroke.
Difference between Green Tea and Kahwah
The biggest difference between green tea and Kashmiri Kahwa lies in the way it is prepared. Green tea is made by steeping tea leaves in hot water, while Kashmiri Kahwa is made with a mixture of green tea powder, water, cinnamon and cardamom. While both are known for their antioxidant properties, Kashmiri Kahwa has additional benefits thanks to the added spices and saffron. Kashmiri Kahwa also contains saffron, nuts and other spices which give it an exotic flavor. Another difference between the two teas lies in the health benefits.
How to Prepare Kashmiri Kahwah?
Making a cup of Kashmiri Kahwah is easy and simple. Start boiling the water in a pot and add the green tea powder. Then, add the spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove and saffron. Let the tea simmer for 5-7 minutes. After that, add almonds and pistachios. Stirring constantly will help the flavors mingle together. Last but not least, strain the tea into a cup and enjoy! Add some honey or jaggery if you want to make it extra yummy.
The Right Time to Drink Kahwah
Kahwah is traditionally consumed during the cold winter months of Kashmir, which makes sense since it’s a hot beverage. The spices in the Kahwah warm up the body and provide comfort and relief from the chill. However, Kahwah can be enjoyed year-round, and its health benefits make it an ideal beverage any time of day. Kashmiri Kahwah is especially good for those who are feeling under the weather or looking to boost their immunity. It can be enjoyed first thing in the morning or in the evening as a nightcap. It’s also a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. Additionally, Kashmiri Kahwah is traditionally offered to guests as a sign of hospitality, making it a great drink to serve when entertaining.
Spices Used in Kashmiri Kahwa
Kahwa is a fragrant, mild green tea made with whole spices, saffron, and almonds and is originally from the Kashmiri cuisine. The spices used in Kahwa vary from recipe to recipe, but some of the essential spices used are cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and whole almonds. Other flavorings can also be added, such as rose petals, nutmeg, mace, and black pepper. Cinnamon and cardamom are the two main spices used in Kashmiri Kahwa that give it its distinctive taste and fragrance. Combining these two spices provides the drink with an earthy, unique flavor. For a more aromatic flavor, saffron is added to the mix. Almonds add a nutty flavor, while rose petals add a subtle sweetness to the drink. These spices are combined in a pot and then boiled with water to make a fragrant, flavorful cup of Kashmiri Kahwa.
Health Benefits of Drinking Kashmiri Kahwa
Kashmiri Kahwa is an aromatic and flavorful tea with numerous health benefits. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. The brew can also help reduce stress, improve digestion, boost immunity, and relieve headaches and colds. Kashmiri Kahwa contains several essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy body. Also, it’s rich in antioxidants that fight cancer and other chronic diseases. Additionally, the combination of spices and herbs in the recipe aids in boosting metabolism and helping in weight loss.
Flavoring Additions to the Basic Recipe for Upgrading the Flavor of Kashmiri Kawa
Adding the right blend of spices and flavors to the basic recipe of Kashmiri Kawa can take it to a whole other level. Nuts, dried fruits, and herbs like rose petals, jasmine, and lavender can enhance the tea’s flavor. Adding a pinch of saffron can give your tea a beautiful golden hue while adding a hint of sweetness. Almonds and cardamom can further elevate the taste of the tea. Adding some rose petals or jasmine can make your tea stand out from the rest if you’re looking for a unique flavor. For those who love intense flavors, adding a small amount of ginger or black pepper can give your tea a spicy kick. Make your cup of Kashmiri Kawa unique by experimenting with different flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions for a Delicious Cup of Kashmiri Kawa
Kashmiri Kahwa is an aromatic and flavorful tea that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it as a hot cup of tea in the morning or an iced tea in the afternoon. Serve it with freshly grated almonds, cinnamon sticks, and saffron for the ultimate experience. Add a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of rose water for extra flavor. For a special treat, add a few pieces of dried fruit, such as apricots, figs, or dates to give your tea a hint of sweetness. You can add freshly squeezed lemon juice or ginger powder to refresh it. For a more luxurious experience, add a few drops of pure essential oil such as jasmine or rose. Enjoy your cup of Kashmiri Kahwa and relax!
Conclusion
Kashmiri Kahwa is an aromatic, mild green tea made with whole spices, saffron, and almonds, originally from the Kashmiri cuisine. Traditionally, it was made in a brass kettle called a samovar with Kashmiri green tea leaves, whole spices, nuts, and saffron. Whether you are looking for an alternative to your usual morning cup of coffee or tea or want to enjoy the unique flavor of this classic drink – Kashmiri Kahwa is a perfect choice. Not only does it provide a refreshing change from regular tea and coffee, but it also has many health benefits. The addition of whole spices to this drink helps to boost immunity and enhance digestion. Why not give it a try and experience its intense flavor and aroma?