How to Cook Kenyan Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

• Black tea leaves or tea bags (preferably Kenyan brands like Kericho Gold or Ketepa): 2 tablespoons or 2 tea bags
• Water: 2 cups
• Milk: 2 cups (whole milk is preferred for a creamier texture)
• Sugar: 2–4 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
• Optional: Spices like ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon for added flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Boil Water

• Pour 2 cups of water into a medium-sized saucepan.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium heat.

2. Add Tea Leaves or Bags

• Add 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves or two tea bags to the boiling water.
• Stir gently to ensure the tea is fully immersed.

3. Infuse the Tea

• Let the tea simmer for about 2–3 minutes to allow the flavor to develop.
• If using spices, add them at this stage. Grate fresh ginger, crush cardamom pods, or add a stick of cinnamon for a spiced version.

4. Add Milk

• Pour in 2 cups of milk and stir well.
• Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent the milk from boiling over.

5. Sweeten

• Add sugar to taste (usually 2–4 teaspoons).
• Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

6. Simmer

• Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Strain and Serve

• Remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Strain the tea into cups using a fine sieve to remove tea leaves or spices.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Kenyan Tea:

• Adjust ratios: For stronger tea, use more tea leaves or bags; for a lighter version, reduce the quantity.
• Experiment with spices: Kenyan tea is versatile and can be customized with spices to your liking.
• Use fresh milk: Whole milk gives the tea a rich and creamy consistency.

Kenyan tea pairs wonderfully with snacks like mandazi (fried dough) or chapati, making it a comforting beverage for any time of day.