Breakfast Tea

Omani Breakfast Tea Recipe with Ginger and Evaporated Milk

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Breakfast tea, a staple in many cultures, is more than just a morning beverage. It's a ritual, a moment of calm before the day's hustle, and a warm, comforting embrace in a cup. This recipe elevates the traditional tea experience with the addition of rich, unsweetened evaporated milk and the aromatic allure of cardamom, making it a luxurious yet easy-to-make choice for your morning routine or afternoon pick-me-up.

History

The tradition of adding milk to tea dates back to the 17th century in Europe, but the exact origins of this specific breakfast tea recipe, with its unique blend of cardamom and evaporated milk, are harder to pinpoint. It draws inspiration from various cultures, including the Indian subcontinent's masala chai and the British love for milk tea, creating a fusion that celebrates the global love for a well-brewed cup of tea.

Ingredients

3 cups of water
3 tbsp of sugar
2 tea bags or 2 tsp of loose tea
1 tbsp of ground ginger (or 1 tsp of ground cardamom)
a 170 g can of unsweetened evaporated milk

How to prepare

Put the water, sugar, and tea into a teapot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Boil for 2–3 minutes.
Add the ground ginger (or cardamom) and the canned milk.
Bring it to a boil again.
Then immediately remove it from the heat (before it rises and comes out of the teapot).
Strain it into cups or a thermos and enjoy it piping hot.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk of your choice. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier twist, or swap the cardamom for ginger to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom. If you prefer your tea less sweet, adjust the sugar to taste. Always add the evaporated milk after the tea has reached a boil to prevent curdling. For a smoother taste, consider using loose leaf tea instead of tea bags.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this aromatic breakfast tea hot, ideally in a pre-warmed cup to retain its temperature and aroma. It pairs beautifully with traditional breakfast items, such as toast, pastries, or eggs, but can also be enjoyed on its own for a lighter start to the day.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the boiling process, which fully extracts the flavors of the tea and spices. A gentle second boil after adding the milk integrates the flavors and achieves a silky texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If evaporated milk is not available, whole milk or half-and-half can be used as alternatives. For a sugar-free version, consider using honey, stevia, or any sweetener of your choice.

Make Ahead Tips

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the tea base (water, tea, sugar, and spices) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat, add milk, and bring to a boil for a quick and comforting beverage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in clear glasses to showcase the creamy color of the tea, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or a cardamom pod for an elegant touch. A small tray of assorted nuts or dried fruits complements the flavors and adds a visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This breakfast tea pairs wonderfully with savory breakfast items, such as omelets or quiches, balancing the richness of the dish. For a sweet pairing, try it with scones or muffins, especially those with fruit or spice elements.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra milk if the tea has thickened during storage. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of this breakfast tea contains approximately 100 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a morning beverage.

Carbohydrates

A serving of this breakfast tea contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the sugar. Adjusting the sugar content can lower this count.

Fats

Thanks to the unsweetened evaporated milk, a serving contains about 3 grams of fat, providing a creamy texture without a high fat content.

Proteins

Each serving offers around 3 grams of protein, courtesy of the evaporated milk, making it a comforting way to include some protein in your morning routine.

Vitamins and minerals

This tea is a source of calcium and vitamin D from the evaporated milk, along with trace amounts of potassium and magnesium, essential for a balanced diet.

Alergens

The primary allergen in this recipe is milk. Those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy should consider lactose-free or plant-based milk alternatives.

Summary

Overall, this breakfast tea offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your morning routine.

Summary

This breakfast tea recipe offers a delightful blend of tradition and flavor, making it a perfect start to the day or a comforting afternoon treat. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and versatile serving options, it's a recipe that invites personalization and experimentation, ensuring each cup is a unique experience. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this aromatic beverage, and let it become a cherished part of your daily ritual.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold winter morning, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a recipe for "Breakfast Tea" caught my eye.

The recipe called for a blend of black tea, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel, along with a hint of vanilla and honey. It sounded like the perfect way to warm up on a chilly morning, so I set to work gathering the ingredients.

I steeped the black tea in boiling water, adding in the cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with a spicy, citrusy scent that made my mouth water.

As the tea brewed, I added in a splash of vanilla and a dollop of honey, stirring it all together until the honey had dissolved. I poured the fragrant liquid into a teacup and took a hesitant sip.

The first taste was like a warm hug from the inside out. The spicy notes of cinnamon and cloves mingled with the bright citrus of the orange peel, creating a complex and comforting flavor that danced on my taste buds. The vanilla added a subtle sweetness, and the honey brought a touch of warmth to the brew.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my morning routine. It was the perfect way to start the day, a little moment of indulgence that set the tone for whatever lay ahead.

Over the years, I have made this Breakfast Tea countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a pinch of cardamom for an extra kick, or a slice of fresh ginger for a bit of heat. But no matter how I customize it, the essence of the original recipe remains the same – a comforting blend of spices and sweetness that never fails to bring a smile to my face.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it on just as it was passed down to me. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the generations of women who came before me, each one adding their own touch to the recipe and passing it along with love and care.

As I sit here now, sipping on a steaming cup of Breakfast Tea, I am grateful for the simple joys that cooking and sharing recipes can bring. It is a tradition that connects us to our past and to each other, a way of preserving memories and creating new ones in the process.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a little comfort or a pick-me-up, why not give this recipe a try? I can promise you that it will warm your soul just as it has warmed mine, a simple cup of tea that holds within it a world of flavor and memories. Enjoy!