Chai Iraqi (Iraqi Strong Tea with Cardamom)
Local name: شاي عراقي
In short: Dark, fragrant black tea steeped over steam with cardamom and served in small glasses with sugar, the drink that goes with every Iraqi visit. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 35 kcal
Tea in Iraq is made strong, dark and sweet and served in small glasses called istikan. The leaves are brought to a boil, then set over a pot of simmering water to steep slowly, which makes the tea deep and smooth without bitterness. A few cardamom pods add perfume. Hosts pour a first glass the moment a guest sits down, and keep refilling until the guest signals they are done.
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with about 5 cm (2 in) of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Put the tea and cardamom in a small heatproof teapot or saucepan. Add the 700 ml of boiling water and bring it back to a boil on the stove for 1 minute.
- Set the small pot on top of the pot of simmering water, with the lid on. Steep over the steam for 15 to 20 minutes until the tea is a deep reddish black.
- Put the sugar in small glasses. Fill each glass one third with the strong tea and top up with hot water until the color is a clear amber.
- Stir and serve right away, with dates or kleicha cookies on the side.
Tips
- No second pot? Keep the tea on the lowest possible heat, covered, for 15 minutes without boiling it again. The slow infusion is what keeps it from tasting harsh.
- Traditional variations include a slice of dried lime, a few mint leaves or a drop of rose water in the glass.
Questions and answers
What kind of tea is used for Iraqi chai?
A strong, dark loose black tea, often a Ceylon or Assam type. Look for leaves that stand up to a long steep.
Why is the tea steeped over steam?
The gentle heat extracts color and flavor slowly without the harshness of a hard boil, and it keeps the tea hot for refills.
Does Iraqi tea have milk?
No. It is served black and sweet in small glasses. Milk tea is more common in other regions.
How long does it take to make Chai Iraqi (Iraqi Strong Tea with Cardamom)?
About 30 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chai Iraqi (Iraqi Strong Tea with Cardamom)?
About 35 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 35 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
