Chai' is one of the most important beverages in India . Summer, winter , or rainy 'Chai' always skips heart beat of the people . Never the less do not forget to try the tea from the tapris (tea stalls around the corner of the roads). They'll make you fall in love with the tea .
The special 'Chai' recipe contains a very important ingredient which we usually do not use in the normal tea making. Many a time most of us unaware of its properties . That special ingredient is Shankapushpa ( Pluricaulis) . This flower is an important indigenous medicine in Ayurveda. This acts as an anti-depressant, anti-stress, anti-diabetic ad also helps in boosting up of our memory. In conclusion, a very healthy drink to rejuvenate ourselves from the world around .
Let's get started with the recipe of this.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
2 teaspoon tea powder
2-3 leaves of Pluricaulis (Shankapushpa)
1-2 teaspoons of sugar
3/4 milk
Shankapushpa flower
Instructions :
In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and add tea powder and pluricaulis leaves. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow it to absorb all the flavours and gain colour.
Add in the milk and sugar, stir to combine. Bring the tea to a boil and turn off the heat(add the flower just before you strain and leave it for 2-3 minutes) . Strain and serve hot along with some pakodas, bhajjis or biscuits.
Experimenting with food always gives me thrill and joy . Do try this recipe if you have Shankapushpa in your backyard , kitchen garden or even at your friends place and let me know how it was . Looking forward for your valuable suggestions and comments .