How do you make somali tea?

Somali tea, also known as shaah, is a traditional spiced milky tea that is commonly enjoyed in Somalia and other parts of the Horn of Africa. It is known for its rich, aromatic flavour and is often served as a social beverage during gatherings and celebrations. Here's a simple recipe to make Somali tea:

Ingredients:

- Black tea leaves (loose or tea bags)

- Water

- Milk

- Sugar (or sweetener of your choice)

- Ground cardamom

- Cinnamon powder

- Ground ginger (optional)

- Cloves (whole or ground, optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water:

Bring water to a boil in a suitable saucepan.

2. Add the Tea Leaves:

Add the black tea leaves to the boiling water. The amount of tea to use will depend on your preference and the size of your pot. Generally, 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves or 1 tea bag per cup of water is a good starting point.

3. Simmer the Tea:

Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer for a few minutes until it reaches the desired strength. This can take anywhere from 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference. Stir the tea occasionally to prevent it from settling at the bottom of the pot.

4. Add the Spices:

Once the tea has simmered, add ground cardamom, cinnamon powder, and optionally ground ginger and cloves. Stir well to combine.

5. Add Milk and Sugar:

Add milk and sugar to the pot. The ratio of milk to water can vary based on your preference, but a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

6. Let it Simmer Further:

Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This allows the spices and flavours to infuse into the tea and milk.

7. Strain the Tea:

Once the tea has reached its desired flavour and consistency, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any tea leaves or spices that may have settled.

8. Serve:

Pour the hot Somali tea into cups and serve immediately while it is still steaming hot. Somali tea is traditionally enjoyed without additional cups for milk and sugar, as it is prepared with the desired sweetness and milkiness.

Somali tea is a delicious and aromatic beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It can be customised to your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of spices and sugar used. This traditional tea is a true cultural delight that offers a unique taste of Somalian hospitality and flavours.