Iraqi Cardamom Tea

Iraqi-style black tea with cardamom and a fresh-mint addition.

Preparation: 5 min · Cooking: 8 min · Total: 15 min · 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 tsp loose black tea
• 4 pc green cardamom pods, lightly cracked
• 20 g granulated sugar (optional)
• 1000 ml drinking water
• 5 g fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the tea and flavourings

   Measure 4 tsp loose black tea. Lightly crack four green cardamom pods. Wash and dry 5 g fresh mint leaves; keep the tea and mint separate from the pods.

2. Heat the water

   Bring 1 litre drinking water to the boil. Add the cracked cardamom and simmer gently for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Use the hot cardamom water immediately for steeping.

   Simmer cardamom for 3 minutes: 180 seconds

3. Steep the tea, then check the taste

   Put the tea and mint 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

4. Strain and sweeten if wanted

   Pour through a fine strainer into a second heatproof vessel and discard the tea leaves, mint, and cardamom. Stir in up to 20 g sugar if wanted, starting with half and tasting before adding the rest.

5. 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 cardamom simmer and 3-minute tea steep are separate phases; use heatproof vessels and cool a tasting spoonful.

Common mistakes

• Do not boil the tea leaves with the cardamom; steep them off the heat to avoid harshness.
• Do not add all 20 g sugar before tasting; sugar is optional.

Substitutions

• Use 4 tsp decaffeinated loose black tea instead; follow its package steeping directions if they differ.

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 brewed fresh. If chilled, heat once until hot, then let cool to a safe drinking temperature; do not repeatedly reheat.

About this recipe

Black tea scented with cardamom is served in Iraq, often in small glasses. This version adds fresh mint; households vary the sweetness.

Editorial approval does not establish independent kitchen testing. Check allergens and follow safe food handling.