After a tired and stressed-out day, what is that one beverage that you find solace in? Is it a glass of chilled beer or is it a cup of steaming ginger tea that rejuvenates your soul and makes you feel relaxed and stress-free? The warm embrace of tea and the first sip is something that relieves your tired self and makes you feel rejuvenated from within. The Indian palette is indeed diverse, but the one thing that everyone loves, irrespective of their region, is tea.
Every individual has their favourite tea recipe along with that snack to accompany. If you, too, think that Indians love only main course items like chicken tikka or chicken tikka masala, then you might be mistaken. Chai is a very important part and continues to be extremely popular across the world.
If you think that ginger chai is just a beverage, then you might be mistaken. It is about a ritual and a comfort zone that every tea-loving individual showcases. It starts with the sound or the hiss of the kettle. Be it the clinking of a spoon or even the bubbling of milk and water, everything makes the tea-making process a catharsis of emotions. Then comes the aroma. The earthy black tea leaves swirl with the sharp heat of ginger, and sometimes you can also add spices like cardamom, clove, or fennel. The moment it touches your lips, you know it is like a bold warmth. It rushes in like a hug from the inside out.
Rooted deeply in Indian tradition, chai has always been more than a drink. It is more of a conversation starter. Not only that, for some people it is like a cure for heartbreak, while for others it is a break from work. Sometimes, it is also just a reason to spend some extra time with your loved one. That’s where the magic sharpens. Ginger chai cuts through tiredness, lifts moods, and makes the mundane suddenly feel luxurious.
Do you think that people like to have ginger chai just on their own? Well, for most people who love chai or ginger tea, the best part is enjoying it along with a plate of your most favourite snack. A great thing that goes with your ginger chai is none other than a properly cooked chicken tikka. Boneless chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and an orchestra of spices like cumin, paprika, and garam masala. These spices are then roasted over flames until charred and juicy. This is what dreams are indeed made of!
Chicken tikka is not just another snack item. It is more like an emotion for those who love meaty and spicy tidbits. Along with chai, chicken tikka is a dish that is passed around at family gatherings. Even for the midnight cravings satisfied on street corners, and the taste of home, even when you are miles away. But then comes the evolution. Another dish that stems from chicken tikka is none other than chicken tikka masala. The moment when chicken tikka meets the luscious, tomato-based curry and transforms into the best chicken tikka masala.
If you are someone who enjoys ginger chai in a stronger version, then a dish that goes best with this is none other than Vada Pao. Vada is a potato fritter that is put inside the humble pao or Indian bread and then spiced with some green chutney and red dry spice. The snack is usually very easy to eat, and the crispiness of the vada seems to go perfectly with your rich and milky ginger tea.
Vada Pao, as a dish, originated from none other than the streets of India, especially from Maharashtra. The snack was developed as an option for the milk workers who did not have much time to eat a proper meal, and yet wanted something that could be filling. To date, the combination of vada pao along with ginger chai is a beautiful combination to enjoy.
For anyone who enjoys chai, one item that they usually pick along with the beverage is the beautiful Indian samosa. Wondering what it is? Well, samosa is a quick finger food which is made out of potato stuffed inside a triangle-shaped puff pastry. This puff pastry is made out of flour and then fried in oil to give it the perfect crispy and delicious texture.
If you are someone who loves samosas, then you might be interested in trying out the samosa pao as well. This is a similar version to the vada pao, and instead of vada, the pao is stuffed with a samosa. Sometimes chutney is added to this pav for that extra kick of spices and flavour.
If you want to enjoy a cup of hot and rich ginger tea, you can simply choose to make it at home as well. For this, you would need some good quality milk and a few whole spices. Boil the milk in a pan, and if you want to make it a little lighter, mix the milk with some water. You can then add the whole spices like cardamom, elaichi, and ginger. Adding a little bit of sugar to the concoction would improve the taste and take it to the next level.
The best way to make a good cup of tea is by boiling the milk along with good-quality tea leaves on a low to medium heat. When you see that the tea has reached the optimum brown colour, this is when you strain the cup. Voila, you are done with a cup of delicious and rich tea!
Now that you have made yourself a cup of hot and rich ginger tea, you can choose to order your snacks from none other than Tikka Nation. Along with snacks, you get options like chicken tikka and tikka masala. Don't forget to get yourself some biryani and naan, and you have got the perfect indian meal.
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