The first time I had karak or chai karak was in Dubai, with an Emirati friend. Karak is similar to Indian chai—very milky, with a strong taste of cardamom. This strong, warming drink goes very well with many of the recipes in this book. The first time I had karak or chai karak was in Dubai, with an Emirati friend. Karak is similar to Indian chai—very milky, with a strong taste of cardamom. This strong, warming drink goes very well with many of the recipes in this book.
SERVES 2 TO 4
1 cup [240 ml] whole milk
11/3 cups [320 ml] water
1 tsp black tea leaves
2 tsp organic cane sugar, or more to taste
2 green cardamom pods, cracked open
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
Put the milk and water in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Add the tea, sugar, and cardamom pods; let bubble for a couple of minutes. Turn the heat to low and let simmer for another 10 minutes. Add the ground cardamom and remove from the heat. Serve hot.