Kahwa (Kashmiri Saffron Green Tea)
Local name: कहवा
In short: Green tea simmered with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and saffron, lightly sweetened and topped with slivered almonds. A warming Kashmiri tea without milk. It takes about 13 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 13 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 50 kcal
Kahwa is the fragrant green tea of Kashmir, served in small cups at weddings, in shops and on cold mornings. Green tea is brewed with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and saffron, sweetened lightly and finished with slivered almonds. Traditionally it is made in a brass samovar, but a saucepan works fine. The tea is pale golden, floral and warming, with no milk. Serve it after a heavy meal or with sweet breads.
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan with the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and sugar. Lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add the saffron and simmer for 1 minute more, until the water turns pale gold.
- Add the green tea leaves and simmer for no more than 1 minute, or the tea will turn bitter.
- Strain into two small cups, scatter the sliced almonds and rose petals on top, and serve hot.
Tips
- Green tea turns bitter if it boils for long. Keep the final simmer to a minute, or take the pan off the heat and steep the leaves for 2 minutes instead.
- In winter add a slice of fresh ginger with the spices. Jaggery can replace the sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
Questions and answers
What does kahwa taste like?
It tastes light, floral and gently sweet, like green tea with warm cardamom and cinnamon and a little saffron. The almonds add a mild crunch.
Does kahwa have caffeine?
Yes, it contains caffeine from the green tea, although usually less than strong black tea or coffee.
Can I make kahwa ahead of time?
Make the spiced saffron water ahead and refrigerate it for 2 days. Reheat it and add the tea leaves just before serving so the flavor stays fresh.
How long does it take to make Kahwa (Kashmiri Saffron Green Tea)?
About 13 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kahwa (Kashmiri Saffron Green Tea)?
About 50 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 50 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
