Thé aux Pignons (Tunisian Mint Tea with Pine Nuts)
Local name: شاي بالصنوبر
In short: Strong green tea brewed with fresh mint and sugar, poured into small glasses over pine nuts, the way many Tunisians finish a meal. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 80 kcal
In Tunisia, mint tea is often served with pine nuts floating in the glass. The tea is brewed strong, sweetened in the pot and poured from a height to make a foam, then sipped slowly while you fish out the nuts with a small spoon. It is offered to guests at the end of a meal, with dates or small pastries. Use fresh mint and good green tea.
Instructions
- Put the tea leaves in a small pot, cover with a splash of boiling water, swirl and pour the water off. This rinse removes the harshest bitterness.
- Add the 750 ml water and the sugar, bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Take the pot off the heat, add the mint and let it steep for 3 minutes.
- Put 1 tsp of pine nuts in each of 4 small heatproof glasses.
- Pour the tea through a strainer into the glasses from a height to make a light foam. Serve hot with a small spoon for the nuts.
Tips
- Pour a glass of tea back into the pot once before serving, so the sugar and foam mix evenly. Use fresh, creamy pine nuts, because stale ones taste bitter.
- Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for 1 to 2 minutes for a nuttier taste, though many Tunisian cooks serve them raw.
Questions and answers
Why do Tunisians put pine nuts in tea?
They add a soft, resinous richness and give the drinker something to nibble. It is a habit for guests and celebrations, and the nuts soften slightly in the hot tea.
Can I use black tea instead of green tea?
Yes, but the flavor will be heavier. Shorten the simmer to 2 minutes so the tea does not turn too tannic.
Is Tunisian mint tea very sweet?
Usually quite sweet. Start with 3 tbsp of sugar for this amount and adjust to your taste.
How long does it take to make Thé aux Pignons (Tunisian Mint Tea with Pine Nuts)?
About 15 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Thé aux Pignons (Tunisian Mint Tea with Pine Nuts)?
About 80 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 80 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
