CHA YEN
In America's Thai restaurants, this cool, sweet treat converts many a timid first-timer to a Thai food fanatic on the spot. Cha Yen or "cold tea" is made form a special Thai blend of chopped black tea leaves flavored and perfumed with star anise, cinnamon, vanilla, and other sweet spices. A little food coloring gives it it's signature terra-cotta hue. It is sold in Asian markets in 1-pound bags, usually labeled Thai tea or cha Thai. In Thailand, it is only served cold and supersweet, crowned with a luxurious cloud of evaporated milk floating on the ice. Thais like their tea very sweet. But you can decrease the amount of syrup to taste. The tea-syrup mixture will keep in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 35m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a rolling boil, and place a heatproof 1-quart pitcher in the sink. When the water boils, add the tea and remove the pan from the heat. The tea will float to the top until you stir gently to coax it into the water. When all of the tea leaves are wet, let it steep for 3 minutes.
- Pour the contents of the saucepan into the pitcher, and don't worry if the dregs are left behind. Pour the tea back and forth between the pitcher and the saucepan 7 times as it becomes darker and stronger, ending up with the tea in the saucepan. Rinse out the pitcher and strain the tea through a coffee filter back into the pitcher. Add the syrup and stir to dissolve. Cool to room temperature, cover and chill until serving time.
- To serve, fill tall glasses with crushed iced. Add 3/4 cup of the chilled Thai tea per glass. Top off each glass with 3 to 4 tablespoons evaporated milk. Serve as the milk cascades over the ice and swirls into the tea.
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain an active simmer and cook until liquid has thickened and colored slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
- Pour the cooled syrup into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, cover, and store at room temperature for 1 week, or in the refrigerator for several weeks.
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Chelsey Grieve
[email protected]I'm obsessed with this cha yen! It's my new favorite drink. I can't wait to make it again and again.
Robinah Katusabe
[email protected]I highly recommend this cha yen recipe to anyone who loves tea, spices, or unique and flavorful drinks. It's a must-try!
Jhon Britto
[email protected]As a Thai person, I can say that this cha yen recipe is authentic and delicious. It brought back memories of my childhood in Thailand.
Shane Shabangu
[email protected]This cha yen is the perfect drink to perk me up in the afternoon. The combination of tea and spices gives me a boost of energy without making me feel jittery.
Md nirob Hossain
[email protected]I love that this recipe is so versatile. I was able to easily adapt it to my own dietary restrictions by using almond milk and sugar-free sweetener.
Tonya Allison
[email protected]This cha yen is a healthier alternative to other sugary drinks. It's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty.
Aziz Khadija
[email protected]I made this cha yen for a potluck and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about the unique flavor and the beautiful presentation.
Faheem Malik
[email protected]I love that this cha yen can be served hot or cold. It's a great drink for any occasion.
Dereje Yimam
[email protected]This cha yen struck the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It wasn't too overpowering, and the flavors complemented each other perfectly.
Asjad Hussain
[email protected]I love how vibrant and colorful this cha yen is. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
nurru Thin
[email protected]As a college student on a tight budget, I was happy to find that this recipe didn't require any expensive ingredients. It was a delicious and affordable treat.
Lilitha Mayongo
[email protected]I love experimenting in the kitchen, so I added a few extra ingredients to my cha yen, like ginger and lemongrass. It turned out amazing!
BISHAL DOXT
[email protected]I'm always short on time, so I appreciated how quickly this recipe came together. I was able to make a delicious cha yen in just a few minutes.
Perry Nice
[email protected]As a chai connoisseur, I was impressed with the authenticity of this recipe. The flavors were spot-on and the drink was just as good as the ones I've had in Thailand.
rajdeep heir
[email protected]I made this cha yen for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor and the beautiful presentation.
Ch Babar
[email protected]I'm always looking for healthier alternatives, so I used skim milk and honey instead of condensed milk. It was still delicious and satisfying.
gamer pro313
[email protected]I have a sweet tooth, so I added a little extra sugar to my cha yen. It was the perfect treat for a hot summer day.
md asif akbar akbar
[email protected]I love trying different teas, and this cha yen was a delightful discovery. The combination of black tea, spices, and condensed milk was unique and flavorful.
savia bah
[email protected]As a huge fan of chai, I was excited to try this recipe. It definitely lived up to my expectations! The spices were well-balanced, and the drink had a creamy, rich flavor.
Sidwell Rambau
[email protected]I'm a beginner in the kitchen, and this recipe was easy to follow. The tea flavor came through nicely, and the drink was refreshing and not too sweet.