Authentic Doodh Patti Chai Recipe (Pakistani Milk Tea)

Doodh Patti Chai is a traditional and most beloved beverage in Pakistan. Doodh Patti is everything for Pakistanis, day starts with chai, ends with chai, evening chai, and chai after lunch.

Doodh Patti Chai is probably the most-made beverage in Pakistan. Its rich aroma, creamy texture, and balanced flavors make it a beloved choice for tea aficionados worldwide. This beverage holds a special place in Pakistani culture, where it is commonly enjoyed throughout the day as a refreshing pick-me-up or as part of social gatherings.

This Doodh Patti Chai is made in every home and it is also available at Dhaba (tea stalls) all over Pakistan. This is a quick recipe that can be made in minutes.

You can try our other recipes that go well with milk tea as a side like Creamy Chicken Puff Patty Recipe, Air Fryer Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls, 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Mug Cake, and Air Fryer Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish.

WHAT IS DOODH PATTI?

“Doodh Patti” literally translates to “milk tea” in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. It refers to a specific style of tea preparation that is popular in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and parts of India.

Doodh Patti Chai is characterized by its rich and creamy texture, achieved by simmering black tea leaves in a combination of water and milk, along with various spices such as cardamom, ginger, and sometimes cloves or cinnamon. The tea is typically sweetened to taste with sugar or other sweeteners, although it can also be enjoyed without any added sugar for those who prefer a less sweet brew.

The name “Doodh Patti” highlights the two key ingredients of this tea: “Doodh” meaning milk, and “Patti” referring to tea leaves.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE DOODH PATTI CHAI

1. Water: You will need 1 cup Purified water to form the base of the tea, providing the liquid needed for steeping the tea leaves and spices.
2. Milk: You will need 1 cup Whole milk for its creamy texture, adding richness and depth to the tea.
3. Tea Leaves: You will need 1 tbsp Black tea leaves, such as Assam or Ceylon, for imparting flavor and color to the Doodh Patti Chai.
4. Sugar: You will need 2 tsp sugar to sweeten the tea to taste, balancing the bold flavors of the spices and loose tea leaves.
5. Green Cardamom Pods: You will need 2-3 green cardamom pods to add a fragrant, citrusy aroma and subtle spice to the Doodh Patti Chai.
6. Fresh Ginger: You will need 1-inch grated ginger to provide warmth and a hint of heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the Doodh Patti Chai.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:

• Cloves: Contributes a warm, slightly pungent flavor to the tea, complementing the other spices. (2-3 cloves)
• Cinnamon Stick: Infuses the tea with a sweet and woody aroma, adding depth to the flavor profile. (1 small stick)

HOW TO MAKE DOODH PATTI CHAI: STEP BY STEP

Step 1: Boil the Water

In the initial step of making Doodh Patti Chai, start by pouring one cup of purified water into a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and wait for the water to reach a rolling boil.

Boiling the water thoroughly ensures it’s hot enough to properly steep the tea leaves and spices, allowing their flavors to infuse seamlessly into the chai.

Step 2: Add Tea Leaves and Spices

Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Carefully add one tablespoon of black tea leaves to the simmering water, followed by 2-3 lightly crushed cardamom pods for a fragrant aroma.

Grate a one-inch piece of fresh ginger directly into the saucepan to infuse the chai with its warm, spicy notes. Optionally, include 2-3 cloves and a small stick of cinnamon to enhance the chai’s depth of flavor with their aromatic spices.

Step 3: Simmer and Infuse

Allow the tea leaves and spices to simmer gently in the water for 2-3 minutes, allowing ample time for their flavors to meld and infuse into the liquid. This gentle simmering process extracts the essence of the tea leaves and spices, creating a robust base for the chai that is both flavorful and aromatic.

Step 4: Add Milk and Sugar

After the tea and spices have been infused sufficiently, pour one cup of whole milk into the saucepan, stirring gently to combine it with the brewed tea. The addition of milk enriches the chai, imparting a creamy texture and mellowing out the bold flavors of the tea and spices.

Sweeten the chai according to your taste preferences by adding two teaspoons of sugar, stirring once again to ensure it dissolves evenly into the mixture.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Allow the Doodh Patti Chai to simmer gently for an additional 3-4 minutes, taking care not to let it come to a boil. This final simmering step further blends the flavors, resulting in a smooth and harmonious brew. Once the chai is heated through and infused with flavor, remove the saucepan from the heat. 

Strain the chai into cups or mugs to remove the tea leaves and spices, and then serve piping hot to enjoy the comforting warmth and aromatic flavors of a perfect cup of tea.

TEMPERATURE INSTRUCTION

Maintain a low heat throughout the preparation process to prevent the chai from boiling over and to ensure the milk doesn’t scald. A gentle simmer is ideal for infusing the tea leaves and spices with the milk, allowing their flavors to meld harmoniously.

Avoid bringing the chai to a rolling boil, as this can result in a bitter taste and may cause the milk to curdle. Keep a close eye on the saucepan and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer. Patience is key to achieving the perfect temperature for a creamy and flavorful Doodh Patti Chai.

TIPS AND TRICKS

1. Start with high-quality tea leaves, fresh spices, and whole milk to ensure the best flavor and aroma in your chai.
2. Pay attention to the brewing time when simmering the tea leaves and spices.
3. Experiment with the ratio of tea leaves, milk, spices, and sugar to find the perfect balance that suits your taste preferences.
4. Maintain low to medium heat throughout the brewing process to prevent the milk from scalding or boiling over.
5. Strain the chai before serving to remove the tea leaves and spices, ensuring a smooth and refined texture.

ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS

1. Microwave Method: This quick and convenient method is perfect for making single servings of Doodh Patti Chai. Combine water, tea leaves, spices, milk, and sugar in a microwave-safe mug, then heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir well, and then let it steep for a few minutes before straining and enjoying.
2. Electric Kettle Method: If you prefer simplicity, you can use an electric kettle to make Doodh Patti Chai. Add water, tea leaves, and spices to the kettle, and then bring it to a boil. Once boiled, pour the hot water into a mug containing milk and sugar, then cover and let it steep for a few minutes before straining and serving.
3. Traditional Clay Pot Method: For an authentic touch, consider using a traditional clay pot to make Doodh Patti Chai. Follow the stovetop method, but instead of using a saucepan, brew the chai in a clay pot. The porous nature of the clay enhances the flavor and aroma of the chai, resulting in a truly immersive experience.

ADDITIONS

1. Rose Water: Add a splash of rose water to your Doodh Patti Chai for a delicate floral aroma and a touch of elegance. Be sure to use it sparingly, as rose water can easily overpower the other flavors.
2. Saffron: Infuse your chai with a few strands of saffron for a luxurious and aromatic twist. Steep the saffron strands along with the tea leaves and spices to allow their flavor and color to permeate the chai.
3. Honey or Jaggery: Substitute traditional sugar with honey or jaggery for a natural and slightly earthy sweetness. Experiment with different sweeteners to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
4. Nuts and Dried Fruits: Garnish your Doodh Patti Chai with chopped nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, or cashews, for added crunch and texture. You can also sprinkle dried rose petals or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation.

STORAGE & REHEATING:

Doodh Patti Chai is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to overheat and compromise the flavor.

MEALS TO SERVE WITH DOODH PATTI CHAI:

• Pair your Doodh Patti Chai with classic breakfast dishes such as Paratha (flaky flatbread), Omelette, or Halwa Puri (deep-fried bread served with semolina pudding).
• Enjoy your chai with an assortment of savory snacks like Samosas (crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes or meat), Pakoras (deep-fried fritters made with vegetables or meat), or Kebabs (grilled or skewered meat).
• Serve your chai alongside light and refreshing meals such as Salad, Sandwiches, or Wraps.
• Indulge in a cozy tea-time spread featuring sweet treats like Rusks (crispy biscuits), Nankhatai (shortbread cookies), or Cake Rusk (sliced cake-like biscuits).

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