India

Iced Chai Tea Latte

I made this drink for an India themed dinner party. Immediately I knew I would have to share it during the holidays. Honestly it was like the most beautiful thing I had ever tasted. I know that is a strange thing to say, but it really was. It was complex, but simple; like something I’ve never tasted before, but familiar; aromatic and yet subtle. I think it would be special to serve with a meal or to drink alone. Just trust me on this and give it a try. (BTW I did have to find the cardamom pods at an Indian grocer, but I am sure they are available on-line.)

Originally posted on Big Girls Small Kitchen.

Iced Chai Tea Latte
Makes 1 drink

Ingredients
6 tablespoons Chai Tea Concentrate (recipe follows)
1 cup milk of your choice*
Ice

*If you use sweetened almond, soy, or rice milk, you may need to play around to make the concentrate less sugary. This recipe was developed using 2% milk.

Pour both the Chai Tea Concentrate and the milk into a glass, stirring to combine them. Add a large handful of ice, and drink immediately.

You can make this into a hot drink for winter by warming the milk and chai concentrate slowly in a small saucepan until very hot. Serve in a mug.

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Chai Tea Concentrate
Makes 1 1/2 cups, enough for 4 lattes

Ingredients
3 tablespoons sugar
8 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half
1 slice ginger, peeled
5 whole cloves
4 whole black peppercorns
2 black teabags
1 tablespoon honey

Combine all ingredients except the honey in a pot. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower slightly and let simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove the teabags, squeezing out any liquid from them. Let the spices steep for another 15 minutes. Strain, removing all the spices. Add the honey and stir in. Taste, adding more honey if you like.

Cool completely.

The concentrate is easily doubled and will last a while in the fridge.

Flavors of India

Can I just tell you that Dinner Club -India Night was a roaring success! It was a complete dive into another culture without ever having to leave the country. It started by researching recipes and continued at Bombay Grocers getting ingredients my local supermarket didn’t carry, and things I had never even heard of like fenugreek leaves, jaggery and cardomom pods. And can I just add, that the man who greeted me from behind the counter and assisted me throughout the store was absolutely fantastic. Hands down the best service I’ve ever received shopping for groceries.

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Between the first Dinner Club and this, we decided it might be fun to incorporate some decor into the assignments. So setting up for the evening was fun too. Although I have to ask you to keep in mind that this is my “Mommy Night,” and doing a ton of dishes is not my idea of indulgence. This experience is about exploring new foods and recipes, getting together with friends and enjoying ourselves. So, remember this was about fun, not perfection in trying to recreate the Taj Majal… and please don’t judge the paper products.

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The evening started with the not-so-traditional iced chai latte. From brewing the fragrant tea concentrate to tasting the light notes of almost an egg nog like beverage, the whole thing was delightful.  http://www.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/2011/06/working-with-what-you-have-iced-chai-tea-latte.html

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Next we partook in an Indian Feast. Oh my goodness, I had no idea I liked Indian food so much! Wow, where have I been hiding? Indian food is great! I dare say, it even changed my perspective on cilantro. I don’t know, somehow it worked.

Cauliflower Fritters with Cilantro-Ginger Sauce, http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alexandra-guarnaschelli/cauliflower-fritters-recipe.html

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Indian Quinoa Salad with Golden Raisins

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Did you know that by weight saffron is worth more than gold? It also has amazing health benefits like cancer fighting properties, increasing circulation, positive effects on eyesight, anti-aging properties, etc. Crazy, right? We should sprinkle it in our morning coffee! Saffron Rice, http://vegrecipesofindia.com/saffron-rice-or-kesar-rice/

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Naan (Indian Flat Bread)

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The main course was an assortment of simmered chicken in a variety of six different sauces; Butter Masala, Madras Curry, Tikka Masala, Korma Curry, Mango Curry and Kashmini Curry. Unbelievably good. I couldn’t pick a favorite.

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Not pictured, but not to be left out, a delicious fried potato and pea cake called aloo tikki served with a mango chutney. Also a great and flavorful potato dish that I would love to make again in the fall, aloo gobimatar, http://www.sharmispassions.com/2014/12/aloo-gobimatar-recipe-easy-potato.html?=1

We finished up the night with a lovely ice cream, almost sorbet type dessert called Malai Kulfi, yes please!!  http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/210541/easy-malai-kulfi/

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I think this Dinner Club is the best idea I’ve ever had. And maybe it was the saffron talking but I thought the night was great, and the food was delectable. Next time it’s Israeli food… I’ll let you know what happens!