Sweet and floral honey basil tea recipe
Welcome, my dear coffee lovers, to the world of Honey Basil Tea, also known as Shahad Aur Tulsi Ke Chai in Hindi. I am excited to share this recipe with you as it is one of my personal favorites. This tea is a beautiful combination of honey, fresh ginger, and holy basil (tulsi) leaves that blend together to create an aromatic and flavorful drink that is both relaxing and rejuvenating.
There are many reasons why you should try this recipe at home. Firstly, it is a perfect drink to start your day with or have as a midday pick-me-up. It’s herbal and caffeine-free so you can enjoy it at any time, without worrying about hindering your sleep cycle. Secondly, honey basil tea has incredible health benefits; from boosting immunity to reducing anxiety symptoms. Thirdly, this chai recipe requires only a few ingredients that are readily available in most households.
So whether you’re looking for a natural remedy to help you unwind or just want to broaden your beverage horizons, give this honey basil tea recipe a shot. I guarantee that once you try it, it will be too hard to go back to standard tea blends. Are you ready to enjoy the comforting coziness and blissful taste of honey basil tea? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking to take a break from mundane teas or are in the mood for something different, this honey basil tea or ‘Shahad aur Tulsi ke Chai’ will certainly make your senses sing! Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe.
Firstly, this tea is infused with fresh basil leaves, which gives it a unique and refreshing aroma that is sure to delight your senses. The smell of basil can calm your nerves and reduce anxiety which makes it perfect for those stressful mornings or restless nights.
Secondly, with the addition of honey, this tea is naturally sweetened without any artificial additives. Honey not only adds a bit of sweetness to the tea but also has numerous health benefits. It has antibacterial properties and helps soothe sore throats and coughs.
Thirdly, the recipe also includes fresh ginger which brings some heat to the tea and adds to its wellness benefits. Ginger is often used in many traditional medicines as it aids in digestion and reduces inflammation. Adding some ginger will complement the sweet aroma of basil leaves and create an interesting fusion of flavors inside your cup.
Lastly, homemade tea always tastes better than store-bought ones. The ingredients are fresh, and you have control over what goes into the tea. This allows you to customize it to your liking by adjusting the amount of honey or adding more ginger according to your preference.
Overall, this recipe offers a unique mix of ingredients that work together to create an aromatic and flavorful blend that you’ll want to enjoy all day long!
Ingredient List
Now that you know why Honey Basil Tea is worth brewing, let me introduce you to the ingredients necessary to make this refreshing and soothing beverage. A key ingredient in this herbal tea is, of course, fresh basil leaves, also known as Tulsi (तुलसी) in Hindi. For a cup of tea that serves one, you will require 1 cup water, around 15 fresh basil leaves (Tulsi ke patte), 1 tsp honey or as desired for sweetness, 1-2 thin slices of fresh ginger root (Adrak), and a few peppercorns (Kali mirch).
To provide more emphasis on the Tulsi leaves, you may use Tulsi chai blend or substitute some pink hibiscus petals for half the tulsi to create Honey Basil Hibiscus Tea. This flavorful spicy tea can help alleviate respiratory issues, control high blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure.
For those who are looking for caffeine, you can add about ½ teaspoon of black tea leaves or 1 green tea bag per serving with the tulsi herbs. Adding lemon juice balances the flavor of ginger and also enhances the nutritional value. Don’t be scared to experiment with your recipe by adding clove powder, saffron strands, or cardamom pods to your brew.
The Recipe How-To
Before we get started, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients handy.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups water
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons tea leaves
We’ll also need a saucepan to bring the water to boil.
Step 2: Boil Water
Place the saucepan on medium heat and add 4 cups of water. Bring it to a boil.
Step 3: Add Basil Leaves
Once the water starts boiling, add in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves into the saucepan. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Tea Leaves
After 5 minutes, add in 2 teaspoons of tea leaves into the saucepan with basil and water. Simmer gently for another minute.
Step 5: Add Ginger & Honey
Peel and bruise/roughly chop a one-inch piece of fresh ginger. Add it to the saucepan along with a quarter cup of honey. Stir everything until honey is dissolved. Let everything simmer for another minute.
Tip: Use local raw honey to support your immune system and soothe sore throats.
Step 6: Strain and Serve
Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain out all herbs and spices from the saucepan with brewed tea mixture. Discard everything except brewed tea mixture. Pour the sweet and tangy Honey Basil Tea shahad aur tulsi ke chai into cups, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Variation: Use lemon juice instead of honey for Tulsi Ginger Tea recipe.
Follow this easy recipe to make your morning ritual more divine!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making honey basil tea, there are several substitutions and variations you can make to add your own personal touch to the recipe. Here are a few of my favorite twists on the classic honey basil tea recipe.
1. Herbal Variations- Try adding different types of herbs like peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary or lavender to the tea for an extra twist of flavors. You can add them either fresh or dried and adjust the quantity to your preference.
2. Hibiscus Tea- Turn your honey basil tea into hibiscus tea by adding a few hibiscus flowers or 1-2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus leaves. Hibiscus has a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of honey, making it a perfect combination.
3. Lemon Juice- Enjoy a citrusy twist by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice along with the tulsi and ginger. Lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps in boosting your immune system.
4. Vary the Sweetener- If you’re not a fan of honey, you can substitute it with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. You can also use jaggery or brown sugar if you prefer a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
5. Add Spices- For an extra kick of warmth and spice, try including cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods or cloves to the tea while brewing. You’ll get a fragrant aroma along with comforting flavors that are perfect for cold winter days.
Remember, these are just suggestions – feel free to add your own creative spin on this recipe and make it unique to your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve brewed a warm cup of honey basil tea, you’ll want to savor its sweet aroma and earthy notes of fresh basil. This comforting beverage is perfect for sipping on a cool morning or in the evening, as it’s caffeine-free and has a calming effect on your senses.
Pair this herbal tea with breakfast foods like muffins and croissants or enjoy it with biscuits and toast. The mild sweetness of honey in the tea complements savory dishes such as frittatas or scrambles perfectly. It also makes for an excellent accompaniment to a light lunch, such as a leafy green salad with grilled chicken or tofu.
If you’re looking to serve your guests an unconventional after-dinner drink, consider offering them honey basil tea instead of regular tea or coffee. The floral aroma of basil infused in the tea along with honey will leave your guests refreshed and satisfied.
To add a zesty twist to your honey basil tea, try squeezing a few drops of lemon juice and garnishing it with a few sprigs of fresh basil leaves. This will give the tea a tangy flavor and enhance its bright yellow color.
Whatever way you decide to serve honey basil tea, remember that its unique flavor profile is sure to delight everyone who tries it.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Honey Basil Tea is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be made ahead if you’re short on time. The tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pour the tea into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until hot.
You can also freeze the tea for longer storage. Simply pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays and freeze. When you are ready to enjoy it, pop a few cubes into a glass and pour hot water over them.
To make things even quicker and easier, you can also prepare honey basil syrup in advance. For this, simply combine equal parts honey and water with a handful of fresh basil leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Allow to cool completely before straining out the basil leaves. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
When ready to serve, mix the desired amount of honey basil syrup with hot water and add black tea leaves if desired. Add lemon juice or ginger for an extra boost of flavor.
Overall, Honey Basil Tea is very forgiving and easy to make ahead of time, making it a great option for busy mornings or for serving at gatherings with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make honey basil tea, let’s make sure you get the perfect results every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh ginger, basil leaves, and tulsi leaves will give you the best flavor and aroma.
Secondly, don’t over-boil the tea. Simmering it gently for 5 minutes is enough for the flavors to infuse. Too much simmering may result in a bitter taste or a loss of aroma.
Thirdly, use the right proportion of water to tea leaves. Use 1 cup of water for every 1/4 cup of tea leaves. Too much or too little tea will affect the flavor and strength of your tea.
Fourthly, adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you like your tea sweeter, add more honey, but if you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or skip it altogether.
Another tip is to add lemon juice for a tangy twist or peppercorns and holy basil for a spicier flavor.
Lastly, store your leftover honey basil tea in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. But bear in mind that storing it may change its taste and aroma, so it’s best to make only as much as you want to drink at once.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of honey basil tea every time!
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a refreshing and delicious tea recipe, then look no further than this honey basil tea (shahad aur tulsi ke chai). With fresh basil leaves, ginger, and honey, this tea is perfect for any occasion. Not only is it tasty, but it can also provide some fantastic health benefits. This herbal tea can help ease stress and anxiety while promoting digestion and reducing inflammation.
With this recipe, I’m confident that you’ll be able to create a cup of tea that’s both flavorful and unforgettable. A cup of honey basil tea can be the perfect way to start your day or wind down after a long day of work. So why not give it a try? It’s simple, quick, and easy to make!
As a barista, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to switch up their regular tea routine. Whether you’re a fan of chai or more herbal teas like hibiscus or tulsi, this honey basil tea is worth trying. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps in the recipe how-to section, and enjoy your new favorite cup of tea!
Honey Basil Tea (Shahad Aur Tulsi Ke Chai) Recipe
Indians believe it helps purify the blood and keeps one strong and fit.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaf
- 4 1/4 cups water
- 4 teaspoons loose orange pekoe tea
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut in half
- 3 tablespoons honey (to taste)
- Combine the basil leaves and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer very gently for 5 minutes.
- Add the tea, ginger, honey, and peppercorns and bring back to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and steep, covered, for 5 more minutes.
- Just before serving, return to a boil and strain into tea cups.
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