South Asian Loose-Leaf Tea

Though countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India drink many different types of tea, this simple type of tea is by far the most popular and commonly referred to as "chai".

The ingredients required include:

• Loose-leaf tea - can be obtained at most grocery stores
• A cup
• A kettle or a pot

Additionally, water and a heat-source is also required.

Optional ingredients include:

• Sugar
• Cream or milk

Add water to a kettle. You can use a pot to boil water if a kettle is not available. A kettle makes it easier to pour the hot water which can be dangerous with a pot.

Place the kettle on the stove and wait for the water to boil. Remove the kettle from the stove once the water comes to a boil.

Take your cup and add your loose-leaf tea. For a strong flavor, add about 1.5 teaspoons of tea to the cup. Afterwards, add the boiling water to the cup.

This is a critical step that many novices skip. Since I am not using a strainer there will be loose tea in the cup. Steeping the tea will allow the loose tea to absorb the water and settle towards the bottom. It will also allow the water to absorb the flavor of the tea.

This step is completely optional. You can add cream, milk or sugar as desired.