You have just arrived home after a long day at school and extracurriculars, dreading your upcoming evening of homework and that essay that you completely forgot about. Rather than directly sitting down to your work, you take the time to make yourself a delicious cup of your favorite hot chocolate, or perhaps some tea with a spot of honey. Suddenly, you find yourself much happier and cozier, ready to take on your mountain of work. This is the situation I often find myself in, especially in these blustery, cold winter months. I often find that a hot cup of peppermint tea or salep, a Turkish drink made from ground orchid tubers, gives me a boost in mood and energy, even if they aren’t caffeinated.
I recently stumbled upon an article about teh tarik, a milky tea drink from Malaysia. Made up of condensed milk, black tea, and sometimes sugar, the specialty of teh tarik is in the name: meaning “pulled tea”, it is poured from a high angle between the pot and the serving glass multiple times before serving. This aerates the drink and gives it a light, airy consistency. Now, after trying it for myself, I know that it will be a winter staple in my household! It is deliciously creamy, and the condensed milk not only adds sweetness but also lends the drink a complex flavor profile not present in normal milk tea.
Teh Tarik Recipe:
3 tsp ceylon tea (if you don’t have ceylon, any strong black tea will work)
2 tsp sweetened condensed milk
1 cup water
- Boil the water.
- In a mug, steep the tea in the water for 3 minutes.
- Add the condensed milk, stirring well to ensure it is dissolved.
- Pour the tea between two separate mugs about 3-4 times. If you are feeling brave, try raising the mug while pouring.
- Enjoy while warm!
