Gud Wali Chai
The taste of traditional tea with natural sweetness
Name - Gud Wali Chai
Sanskrit Name – गुडयुक्ता चाय
English Name – Jaggery Tea
History
Gud Yuktā Chāyā, known as Gud Wali Chai in contemporary parlance, finds its roots deeply embedded in the ancient traditions of India. The use of jaggery, or “gud,” dates back thousands of years to the Indus Valley Civilization, where it was prized for its rich flavor and health benefits. Jaggery, a natural sweetener derived from sugarcane or palm sap, has been an integral part of Indian culinary traditions, long before the advent of refined sugar.
Why Kulhad Chai Enriches Our Menu
How to Prepare the Perfect Cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
- 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves (Assam tea works well)
- 1-2 tablespoons jaggery (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed (optional)
- A small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and crushed (optional)
Preparation Method
Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
Add Tea Leaves: Once boiling, add the loose black tea leaves to the water. If using, add crushed cardamom pods and ginger for additional flavor.
Simmer: Let the tea leaves steep in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. This allows the flavors to infuse properly.
Add Milk: Pour in the milk and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired color and strength.
Sweeten with Jaggery: Add jaggery to the chai. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your preferred level of sweetness. Stir well until the jaggery dissolves completely.
Strain and Serve: Once the chai reaches a rich, golden color, strain it into cups using a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer to remove the tea leaves and any spices.
Serve Hot: Gud Yuktā Chāyā is best enjoyed hot. Serve immediately and savor the delightful blend of robust tea with the natural sweetness of jaggery.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your taste preferences.
- You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or cloves for additional depth of flavor.
- Serve Gud Yuktā Chāyā with your favorite snacks or as a comforting beverage on its own.
