Chai Tea (Kazakh)

Kazakhstan Chai or tea is served at every meal. It is the ultimate form of hospitality that has very distinct rituals. Typically the glass would only be filled up halfway to ensure that it remains hot. This recipe is basic black tea spiced up with some cardamom and fennel seeds. The fennel adds a unique flavour to Kazakh chai that I think you will love, I know we did.

3 cups water
3 tsp. loose black tea
3 cardamom pods
1 tsp. fennel seeds
1½ cups milk
sugar or pure honey

Combine the water, tea, cardamom, fennel seeds in a saucepan bring to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the milk and continue to simmer for a couple more minutes.

Strain the tea into cups.

Add sugar or honey to taste.

Makes 4 servings.