Assam Black Recipe

Inspired by The Well

Time10m

Serves2

Make Assam Black Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Measure and heat water
Pour 16 fl oz (about 475 ml) of fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Heat water to a vigorous near-boil — about 200–212°F (93–100°C). If using a kettle with no thermometer, bring to a full rolling boil.
2
Warm teapot or cups (optional)
Pour a small amount of the hot water into your teapot or serving cups, swirl it around to warm them, then discard that warming water. This helps maintain steep temperature.
3
Add tea leaves
Place 3 level teaspoons of loose Assam tea into the warmed teapot or into an infuser in a teapot. For stronger tea, increase to 4 tsp.
4
Pour water and steep
Pour the just-boiled water (200–212°F / 93–100°C) over the tea leaves. Add the lightly crushed cardamom pod now if using. Cover and steep for 3.5–5 minutes depending on desired strength: 3.5–4 minutes for brisk but not overly astringent, 4.5–5 minutes for a bolder brew.
5
Strain
After steeping, strain the tea into a serving pot or cups to separate leaves (and cardamom). Do not leave leaves to over-steep in the pot, as Assam becomes bitter if steeped too long.

6
Heat milk (if using)
If you prefer milk in your Assam, gently warm 4 fl oz (about 120 ml) of whole milk on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling (about 150–160°F / 65–70°C). Foaming is optional.
7
Combine tea and milk
Pour the warm milk into the brewed tea to taste. Typical ratio for a milk tea is about 3 parts brewed tea to 1 part milk (here: 12 fl oz tea + 4 fl oz milk). Stir gently.
8
Sweeten
Add sugar to taste (start with 1 tsp). Stir until dissolved. Alternatively use honey or other sweetener; adjust quantity to preference. (If you do not want milk, sweeten the black tea directly.)

9
Garnish and serve
If desired, float a thin lemon slice on the cup (for a bright citrus note — do not add lemon if you have milk in the cup, as it can curdle). Serve immediately while hot. Discard the cardamom pod after brewing or leave in the pot for continued aroma if serving quickly.