The Kashmiri variation of Kehwa is made by boiling green tea leaves with local saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and occasionally Kashmiri roses. It is generally served with sugar or honey and crushed nuts, usually almonds or walnuts. Some varieties are made as a herbal infusion only – without the green tea leaves.
Kashmir Kehwa (Kehva) Herb Tea Preparation:
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons Kashmiri green tea
4 pinches saffron
2 cardamoms, slightly crushed (elaichi)
8 blanched almonds, chopped (badam)
1 cinnamon stick (dalchini)
2 cloves (laung)
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
Directions:
Boil 3 cups of water along with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves and pour over the tea. Leave to infuse over a very low flame for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, dissolve saffron in a little water by rubbing it gently.
Strain the tea and add the saffron liquid together with almonds.
Sweeten if you like and serve hot.