less than 30 mins

Cooking time

10 to 30 mins

Serves 1 cup

For me this is the ultimate cuppa. It is what women across India make whenever they have friends coming over for a break or a chat. It offers solace and comfort and is invigorating and relaxing all at the same time.

Ingredients

• 350ml/12fl oz water
• 100ml/3½fl oz milk
• 4 black peppercorns
• 10 green cardamompods, lightly crushed
• good pinch green fennel seeds
• small piece cinnamonstick
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and roughly sliced
• 1 black tea bag
• sugar, to taste
• salt, to taste (optional)

Method

1. Heat the water and milk in a pan with the spices and ginger until it comes to the boil. Turn the heat down and cook over a low to medium heat for 15 minutes. Be careful as the milk can easily rise and boil over.
2. Once the volume is reduced to a large cupful, add the teabag and let it brew for one minute, or longer if you like strong tea.
3. To serve, strain into a cup and add sugar or salt if using, to taste.