Shaah – Somali spiced tea

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose black tea)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom (or 2 crushed cardamom pods)
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• ½ cup milk (optional, for creamy tea)

Preparation

• Boil water: In a small pot, bring water to a boil.
• Add spices: Add cardamom and ginger (if using). Simmer for 1 minute.
• Brew tea: Add tea bags or loose tea and sugar. Steep for 3-5 minutes.
• Add milk: If using milk, stir it in and heat gently until steaming (don’t boil).
• Serve: Strain into cups and serve hot.