Yemeni Cardamom Black Tea
Yemeni-inspired black tea with cardamom and cinnamon.
Preparation: 5 min · Cooking: 5 min · Total: 15 min · 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tsp loose black tea
- 4 pc green cardamom pods, lightly cracked
- 1 pc small cinnamon stick, about 5 cm
- 20 g granulated sugar (optional)
- 1000 ml drinking water
Instructions
Prepare the tea and flavourings
Measure 4 tsp loose black tea. Lightly crack four green cardamom pods and set out one 5 cm cinnamon stick. Keep the tea leaves separate from the spices.
Heat the water
Bring 1 litre drinking water to the boil. Add the cardamom and cinnamon, simmer gently for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Use the hot spiced water immediately for steeping.
Simmer spices for 3 minutes: 180 seconds
Steep the tea, then check the taste
Put the tea in a heatproof teapot. Pour in the hot water with its spices, cover, and steep for 3 minutes. Taste a small cooled spoonful. For stronger tea, allow up to 5 minutes in total before straining.
The tea is fragrant; the leaves are removed before it becomes harsh.
Steep the tea, then check the taste: 180 seconds
Strain and sweeten if wanted
Pour through a fine strainer into a second heatproof vessel and discard the tea leaves and spices. Stir in up to 20 g sugar if wanted, starting with half and tasting before adding the rest.
Pour and serve safely
Divide between four heatproof cups. Let the tea cool to a comfortable drinking temperature.
Tips
- Black tea contains caffeine. The 3-minute spice simmer and 3-minute tea steep are separate phases; use heatproof vessels and let a tasting spoon cool.
Common mistakes
- Do not boil the tea leaves with the spices; steep them off the heat to avoid harshness.
Substitutions
- Use the same amount of decaffeinated loose black tea if caffeine is a concern; follow its package instructions for steeping.
Storage
Serve freshly made. Keep covered at 4°C or below and use within 24 hours. Discard if left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the surrounding temperature is above 32°C.
Reheating
Best freshly brewed; do not repeatedly reheat leftover tea.
About this recipe
Yemeni tea can be prepared with cardamom. This cinnamon-accented black-tea version is a household-style interpretation, not a single standard recipe for all Yemen.
Editorial approval does not establish independent kitchen testing. Check allergens and follow safe food handling.