Chasha Zemma - Georgian Spiced Tea

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 4 teaspoons black tea leaves 4 teaspoons black tea leaves
• 4 cinnamon sticks 4 cinnamon sticks
• 8 cloves 8 cloves
• 4 cardamom pods, crushed 4 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 4 sprigs of fresh mint leaves 4 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
• Honey or sugar, to taste Honey or sugar, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 40 kcal / 167 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 10g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add the black tea leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and ginger to the boiling water.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer for 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and add the fresh mint leaves.
5. 5.
   Cover the saucepan and let the tea steep for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Strain the tea into cups or a teapot.
7. 7.
   Sweeten the tea with honey or sugar according to your taste preference.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black tea leaves — Use high-quality loose black tea leaves for the best flavor.
• Fresh mint leaves — Gently bruise the mint leaves before adding them to the tea to release their aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of spices and sweetness according to your personal taste preferences.
• For a stronger flavor, let the tea steep for a longer time.
• Serve Chasha Zemma with traditional Georgian sweets or pastries for a complete cultural experience.
• Experiment with different types of honey or sweeteners to find your favorite combination.
• Chasha Zemma can also be enjoyed chilled during hot summer months.

Serving advice

Serve Chasha Zemma in traditional Georgian tea cups or glass mugs to enhance the cultural experience. Garnish each cup with a fresh mint sprig for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To create an inviting presentation, place the teapot or cups on a decorative tray alongside a plate of Georgian sweets or pastries. Add a small bowl of honey or sugar cubes for guests to sweeten their tea according to their preference.