The people of India like spices in their tea, not only for the taste, but for the body heat they create in cold weather. They also like milk in their tea; if you feel the need to be very authentic, add one cup of low fat milk during the last simmering process. A very good beverage to serve after a ritual or celebration.
Serves six.
7 cups cold water
6 green cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
6 cloves
1 - 1/4" piece fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup light brown sugar or honey
2 tablespoons black tea leaves
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the spices and brown sugar. Boil gently for five minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the mixture steep for ten minutes. Add the tea leaves and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for another five minutes. Strain the tea and serve.
