Iced Hibiscus Tea – The drink of Summer

What is Karkade – Hibiscus Tea?

Karkade, also known as hibiscus tea, has its origins deeply rooted in ancient civilizations, particularly in Africa. Karkade, is believed to be native to West Africa, where it was traditionally used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is a traditional beverage made from the dried calyces of the hibiscus flower, particularly Hibiscus sabdariffa.

This tea is famous for its striking deep red colour and tart, cranberry-like flavour. It has been popular for centuries in countries such as Egypt and Sudan, where it is often served during special occasions and celebrations. Popular in many cultures around the world, Karkade can be enjoyed both hot and cold.

Karkade & I

As I am married to an Egyptian, this is the one drink my husband most asks for as soon as we experience a hot day in the UK. However, last summer we went on a family trip travelling across Egypt while I was 20 weeks pregnant with our second child. I had my first sip of Iced Hibiscus Tea in Egypt in old Cairo while walking through the bazaar with my family. The lovely older uncles walk around shouting “Kar-ka-deh” and they pour the drink out of the carafe.

I only had a sip due to being pregnant, although they assured me it was fine to drink but I knew it may drop my blood pressure and make me unwell while pregnant. They didn’t know that I was very familiar with Hibiscus tea as it is made and served warm, regularly in Iran and in Persian homes.

Health Benefits of Karkade

Besides its refreshing taste, it is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, it helps boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress. The tea is also known for its potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting heart health.

Additionally, Karkade has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in reducing inflammation and support overall well-being. It is also a natural diuretic, which helps in detoxifying the body and supporting kidney health. With its combination of health-boosting properties, Karkade is not only a refreshing drink but also a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Deliciously warm and satisfying

Ingredients for Egyptian Karkade

Filtered Water – to ensure good flavour and a clear colour.

Dried Hibiscus flowers – the dried flowers used for this Egyptian Karkade is readily available in supermarkets and middle eastern stores.

Sweetener of choice – hibiscus is quite tart and has a naturally sharp, cranberry-like tartness. Adding sweetener helps to balance this tartness, making the beverage more palatable for those who might find the unsweetened version too sour. Honey or sugar is the mostly used when making this drink and although exact measurements are included in this recipe; feel free to adjust this to your taste.

Lemons and Mint – both of these or each of them individually can brighten up any drink and give it a refreshing taste.

How to make Iced Hibiscus Tea

Rinse the Hibiscus Flowers – Place the dried hibiscus flowers in a colander and rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or impurities.

Boil the Water – In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.

Add Hibiscus – Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed hibiscus flowers. If you wish, add a cinnamon stick, ginger slices, or cloves to enhance the flavour.

Steep the Tea – Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The longer you let it steep, the stronger the flavour will be.

Sweeten the Tea – Strain the hibiscus tea into a large pitcher, removing the flowers and any added spices. While the tea is still warm, stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference.

Serve Cold – Once the Tea has cooled down, pour into glasses over ice with an optional garnish of lemon and mint.

Serve Warm Hibiscus Tea– Instead of letting it cool down, pour the warm Karkade into mugs and enjoy. Optionally, you can garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you do make this recipe, please take a moment to leave a review, comment or or any questions you may have.
Also tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see your work of art! Not only is it my favourite thing to scroll through and see what you are all making. But it also brings me so much happiness to see my hard work is beneficial to you all

This is the best place to reach me, and I’d love to hear from you.

Love, Nelly

Recipes You Must Try

• Karak
• Boba Tea

The post Karkade – Hibiscus Tea appeared first on PEANUTSWIRLS.

Simple and Refreshing

Origin of Bubble Tea

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and was created by a tea house owner who added tapioca pearls to his iced tea. The drink gained popularity quickly in Taiwan and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, bubble tea is enjoyed in many countries and has become a staple drink in many Asian communities.

Flavors of Bubble Tea

Bubble tea comes in many different flavors and combinations, but some of the most popular include:

1. Milk Tea – This is the classic bubble tea flavor and is made with tea, milk, and sugar. Tapioca pearls are added to the drink to give it a chewy texture.
2. Fruit Tea – This bubble tea flavor is made with tea and fresh fruit juice or puree. It’s a refreshing and fruity drink that’s perfect for hot summer days.
3. Matcha Tea – Matcha tea is a Japanese green tea that’s known for its health benefits. When combined with milk and sugar, it creates a delicious and creamy bubble tea flavor.
4. Taro – Taro is a starchy root vegetable that’s commonly used in Asian cuisine. When used in bubble tea, it creates a unique and slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for those who enjoy trying new things.

The ultimate drink for warmer weather

What you need for this Easy Homemade Bubble Tea

To make your own Easy Homemade Bubble Tea, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, as well as some specialty items to make those iconic tapioca pearls and drink the tea with the pearls.

Ingredients:

• Tapioca Pearls
• Tea
• Milk or Cream
• Sweetener (such as sugar or honey)
• Ice

Tapioca Pearls: The tapioca pearls are what make bubble tea unique. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, or purchase online here and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. When cooking the tapioca pearls, it’s important to follow the package instructions carefully to ensure they come out chewy and tender.

Thick Straws: To drink the bubble tea, you’ll need a special wide straw. These straws are typically wider than regular straws to allow the tapioca pearls to be easily slurped up with the tea. You can find these straws online here or at most Asian grocery stores.

Other Items: While not necessary, you can also add other ingredients to your bubble tea to create different flavors. Some popular additions include fresh fruit, fruit juice or puree, matcha powder, taro, or coffee.

With these ingredients and equipment in hand, you’re ready to make your own Easy Homemade Bubble Tea!

Korean Strawberry Milk Bubble Tea

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of cooked tapioca pearls
• 1/2 cup of strawberries
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1/2 cup of ice

Instructions

1. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions and set them aside.
2. Add the sugar to chopped strawberries and crush with the back of a fork, the sugar will bread down the strawberry quickly. Alternatively, you can blend this but its so much more delicious with the texture.
3. Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of a large glass and pour in the strawberry mixture on top, followed by crushed ice and milk.
4. Serve with a wide straw and enjoy!

Brown Sugar Boba with a Shot of Coffee Bubble Tea

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of cooked tapioca pearls
• 1-2 shots of coffee
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 60 gram of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of ice

Instructions

1. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions and set them aside.
2. Brew a shot or 2 of coffee and let it cool.
3. Add the brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of water to a small pot and allow to boil on low until the syrup thickens.
4. Pour 2 tablespoons of the syrup in your chosen glass, allow to cool for 5 minutes then flip the glass upside down so the syrups drizzles down the sides of the glass and makes a pattern.
5. Add the rest of the syrup to the pearls, so they soak up syrup and become sweetened and let this sit for 10 minutes.
6. Add the tapioca pearls and syrup, to a large glass along with crushed ice and the cooled coffee and finally the milk.
7. Serve with a wide straw and enjoy!

How to make Boba/Tapioca Pearls from scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the tapioca flour and boiling water until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more water. If it’s too wet, add a little more tapioca flour.
2. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter.
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the tapioca balls.
5. Let the tapioca pearls cook for 15-20 minutes or until they float to the surface and are translucent.
6. Drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them with cold water.
7. If desired, toss the cooked tapioca pearls with brown sugar or honey to add sweetness and prevent them from sticking together.

Note: This recipe yields about 1 cup of cooked tapioca pearls. You can adjust the amount of tapioca flour and water to make more or fewer pearls, depending on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you do make this recipe, please take a moment to leave a review, comment or or any questions you may have.
Also tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see your work of art! Not only is it my favourite thing to scroll through and see what you are all making. But it also brings me so much happiness to see my hard work is beneficial to you all

This is the best place to reach me, and I’d love to hear from you.

Love, Nelly

Recipes You Must Try

• Bechamel Pasta Bake (Macarona Bechamel)
• Borani Esfenaj – Persian Spinach Yogurt Dip
• 10 Minute Chocolate Date Truffle
• Lazy Smash Burger Wrap
• Authentic Turkish Lentil Soup – Mercimek Çorbası
• Adasi – Persian Lentil Soup
• Authentic Moroccan Harira Soup

The post Easy Homemade Bubble Tea (Boba) appeared first on PEANUTSWIRLS.

Karak Chai for me, has a whole story of its own, a personal touch, that I absolutely love! It all came about a few years ago, when I was invited to a girly tea party and one of the girls came with a flask of her homemade Karak. At this point, I had heard of Karak and knew of a shop opposite Harrods that sell it, but I never actually had the chance to buy some myself.

As soon as the flask was open, and the first tea cup was filled, the smell of flavours that filled the room were absolutely mesmerizing! I couldn’t get over the aroma smell of Saffron which I can still smell to this day.

It was genius, an absolute winner! The only ingredients I got that day were tea, saffron, sugar and milk, but through research, asking friends who have travelled, trying different things, I have ended up with the perfect recipe I have today and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

The combination of spices that make up your Karak Chai are just right! Enough to make a comforting, delicious, and warming tea, perfect with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Packed with such delicious flavours!

How to get your perfect Karak Chai?

One of the biggest things i’ve learnt is that pretty much everything in the ingredients list to make your Karak or Masala Chai is, to taste. Play around with the spices, the level of sweetness and the ratio of water to milk to reach the perfect karaoke for your tastebuds!

I personally used to make my Karak Chai with full fat milk all the time, but i’ve always felt it was missing something and wasn’t exactly what I wanted. Somebody suggested using condensed milk, and when I tried that today, for the last time before posting the full recipe, I loved how amazing it turned out!

Changes you can make to your Karak Chai

As you can see, in the recipe below, there is no sugar because condensed milk is very sweet. I do suggest that when trying out the recipe, use half a cup as I did, then adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Another big and crucial change I made, was the length of time I allowed everything to brew. The longer it brewed, the thicker and more delicious it became! You can just feel the explosion of flavours becoming more intense and aromatic. Not only does this make your Karak Chai taste nicer, but oh, the smell! The smell of your delicious chai takes over your whole house!

This Karak or Masala Chai recipe is my go-to, especially during Ramadan. After eftar, a nice cup of chai is what your body is calling out for, a time to relax, wind down and refresh with a mixture of flavours tingling your tastebuds!

Sweet Karak Chai to your taste

Ingredients

What you need to make your Karak Chai:

• Teabags or lose tea
• Cloves
• Cardamom Pods
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Crushed ginger
• Water
• Milk
• Condensed Milk
• Saffron

Step by Step

Start by putting everything in a small pot, apart from the milk.

Let everything boil on low heat for 30 minutes, until you can see the tea becoming strong, almost black. Boiling everything for as long as I did really enhanced the flavour!

Add the milk and boil for another 10 minutes on low heat, before draining the tea through a drainer, to get all the tea leaves and spices out.

Serve up and enjoy

A mix of ingredients to your taste

Why choose Karak Chai?

Karak Chai is so versatile and can be made in so many different ways. It’s hard to get the perfect combination, but whichever way you choose to make it, you will get such a delicious Chai you’ll want to make again and again!

It is packed with such comforting flavours, both sweet with a hint of spice, to suit your every mood.

What I love about Karak Chai is that it works perfectly with anything sweet, from simple plain biscuits to delicious cream filled desserts like my Classic Tiramisu Recipe or my Homemade Gluten-Free Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars. You can drink your Karak or Masala Chai with anything you have at home!

Chai spices have been become very popular and are commonly found all over the world. So many types of drinks and foods relate to Chai now, such as Chai Latte or Chai spiced cakes and cookies. A delicious blend of spice in everything you eat!

The spices used to make your Karak Chai have such great health benefits and boost your immune system! Taste and health, what’s not to like!?

Frequently Asked Questions

Other recipes to try

• Easy Homemade Yogurt
• Loaded Hummus with Grilled Halloumi
• Chocolate Orange Cardamom Pudding
• Homemade Turkish Lahmacun
• Persian Saffron Rice and Chicken with Dill and Pea

The post Karak or Masala Chai appeared first on PEANUTSWIRLS.