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The Chinar Tree and Tumeric Masala Chai

 My last day in Kashmir, I decided to visit the Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar again. The Chinar, restaurant at the hotel overlooks the bustling lobby. It provides a traditional Indian dining experience with an emphasis on Kashmiri spices and flavours. The restaurant was named in honour of Kashmir’s iconic Chinar (maple) tree, and each tabletop bears subtly coloured Chinar leaves fashioned out of tile. Kashmir has truly become the tea series. I have now come to the resolution that each tea that is served echoes the different shades of the sunrise and sunsets. There I decided to have the Tumeric Masala Chai. The Kashmiri-style blend of masala tea spices and fresh ginger and tumeric will warm you up on chilly autumn and winter evenings ... or first thing in the morning. Kashmiri Tumeric Chai has chopped pistachios, saffron, and nutmeg in addition to the chai usual spices. You can also use almonds instead of pistachios as well. Kashmiri Chai Makes 4 * 3 cups water * 3 cups fat feee milk * 2 tablespoons pistachios, shelled and chopped * 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom * 1 piece cinnamon stick * Pinch of saffron threads (10 to 15) * 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg * 1/2 tsp of grated tumeric or ground tumeric * 1/4 tsp ginger * Pinch salt * 2 cups brewed black tea * 2 tbsp xylitol, stevia, suki sugar 1. Bring the tea bags to a boil with the water. 2. Add the pistachios, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, tumeric, ginger and nutmeg and simmer over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, to allow the flavors to infuse. Stir in the sweetener and salt. Taste and add more sweetner if needed. Stir in the milk and bring to boil and let it simmer for a few mins until a Golden colour. 3. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve. Divide into individual mugs and serve while still hot. This tea boasts powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant propertie. Enjoy !!!! 

Kashmir, I leave you with a piece of my heart. It’s been mesmerizing, unspoiled beauty that echoes a spiritualness in its essence. It’s authenticity and simplicity, the friendliness of the people will stay with me forever. Kashmir, a piece of heaven on earth... #kashmir #heaven 


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