Teh Tarik Masala: A Twist On The Classic Malaysian Pulled Tea

Teh tarik, the frothy Malaysian milk tea, is a beloved beverage known for its rich flavor and unique preparation method. This recipe takes a classic favorite and adds a fiery twist with the inclusion of fragrant masala chai spices. Perfect for a warm and comforting drink or a unique pick-me-up, teh tarik masala is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

¾ cup strong brewed black tea (or 2 Lipton tea bags)

¾ cup full-fat milk

¼ cup evaporated milk

2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Pinch of ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Brew the Tea: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the black tea (or tea bags) and let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea leaves.

2. Prepare the Spices: In a mortar and pestle (or using a spice grinder), grind together the cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. This will create a fragrant spice mix.

3. Combine the Milk and Tea: Pour the brewed tea, full-fat milk, evaporated milk, and sugar into a large mug or heat-resistant pitcher. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can add the whole spices directly to the mug at this point.

4. The Pulling Technique (Teh Tarik): This is where the magic happens! Here’s the iconic teh tarik pulling technique:

Carefully pour the mixture back and forth between two empty mugs or glasses held at a height of about 2 feet. This stretches and froths the milk, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Continue pulling for several minutes, until the tea reaches a desired froth level. The more you pull, the thicker the froth will become.

5. Spice it Up: Once you’ve achieved your desired froth level, strain the tea mixture back into the original mug or pitcher, removing the whole spices if you used them. Add the ground spice mix and stir well to combine.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the teh tarik masala into a mug and savor the warm, frothy beverage. You can adjust the amount of sugar and spices to your preference.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: approximately 200 (depending on the type of milk used)

Fat: 8-10 grams

Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams (including sugar)

Protein: 8 grams

Tips:

For a stronger tea flavor, use a stronger brewed tea or add an extra tea bag.

If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can buy pre-ground chai spice mix from most grocery stores.

You can adjust the amount of spices to your preference. For a milder flavor, use less spice mix.

Teh tarik masala can be enjoyed hot or cold. For a chilled version, simply let the tea cool completely before serving over ice.

Conclusion

Teh tarik masala is a delicious and unique twist on the classic Malaysian beverage. The combination of creamy milk tea, fragrant spices, and a hint of black pepper creates a truly unforgettable drink. So next time you’re looking for a warm and comforting beverage, give teh tarik masala a try!

FAQs:

1. What kind of black tea should I use for teh tarik masala?

Strong black teas like Assam or Ceylon work well for teh tarik masala. You can also use Lipton tea bags for a convenient option.

2. Can I substitute evaporated milk with regular milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with regular milk. However, the teh tarik masala will have a thinner consistency and less rich flavor.

3. Is teh tarik masala spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of spice mix you add. The recipe provides a starting point for a mild to moderate level of spice. Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference.

4. Can I make teh tarik masala without the pulling technique?

Yes, you can still make a delicious teh tarik masala without the pulling technique. Simply combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat them gently until warmed through. The tea will not be as frothy, but it will still be flavorful.

5. What other spices can I add to teh tarik masala?