Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Indian Tea: Mum's Hug in a Mug
()
I don't know about you, but at this time of year, I'm a fickle morning brew-drinker. I'm sick of winter's hot and heavy lattes, but not at all ready for the chilly weightlessness of iced coffee. And so I turn to my Ol' Faithful of hot, caffeinated beverages to lift my spirits: Indian tea, Sequeira style!
It's nothing too fancy -- you'd find similar brews at every Indian-run shop in Dubai (where I grew up), but it holds a special place in my heart. It conjures up images of my childhood, when the end to an afternoon siesta was marked by a steaming cup of tea, poured out of a massive stainless steel thermos, possibly paired with a chocolate-covered biscuit... all leading up to an exhilarating "ahhhh!". It tastes like a warm hug from my mum, so now that I live so far away from her, it has an even more special place in my heart.
Have no fear Los Angelenos! If you too are craving a hug from my mum, I am willing to share the secret (no, not the Rhonda Byrne one). Given the added spices, it will remind you on the ubiquitous "chai", but it's a lot easier and much, much cheaper. It is also the perfect cap to a night of drinking. :)
Support for LAist comes from
First of all, make sure you're working with some good quality Indian tea, and not that teabag stuff. Look for boxes of Indian loose leaf tea, available at the nearest Indian grocery store. I live close to Culver City so I get mine at my favorite, the renamed "Samosa House" (previously "Bharaat Bazaar"). "India Sweets and Spices" sells it too but they're always so grumpy there that I prefer not to give them my money. Anyway, there are a wide variety of brands to choose from, but I stick to the colonial, Lipton -- usually comes in a red and yellow box.
Bring one cup of water to a boil with one pod of cardamon, that has been smashed, and one small piece of cinnamon. Make use of all those exotic spices you bought for that one dish. Star anise? Throw it in. Got some leftover cloves? Go crazy. I have not tried this with powdered spices, but go ahead and experiment. Once the water is boiling, add one heaping teaspoon of tea. Turn the heat off and allow the tea to steep 4-5 minutes. Add a generous teaspoon of honey and as much milk as you like. I heat the milk up ahead of time so that it doesn't cool the tea too much. Stir, strain, and serve. You'll never be the same again.
I hope you try it! By the way, my mum's name is Rose. Figured you should know that before she wraps her tea-flavoured arms around you and makes you feel like everything is going to be ok.
Photo by me.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist