Authentic Kashmiri Kahwa: History and a Traditional Recipe

Key Takeaway / Executive Summary:

### What is Kashmiri Kahwa? Originating along the ancient Silk Route that wound through Central Asia and the Kashmir Valley, **Kahwa** is an aromatic green tea traditionally brewed in an ornate brass or copper vessel called a **Samovar**. --- ### How to make Kahwa at home (serves 2) **You need:** 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon Kahwa green tea leaves, 2 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed), a small piece of cinnamon, 4–5 saffron threads, 6–8 slivered almonds, and honey or sugar to taste. 1. **Spice the water:** bring the water to a boil with the cinnamon and cardamom, then simmer for 3–4 minutes. 2. **Add saffron and tea:** add the saffron threads and the tea leaves and simmer for just 1 minute. Longer makes the tea bitter. 3. **Serve:** strain into cups over the slivered almonds and sweeten with honey or sugar. In Kashmiri homes Kahwa is served to guests, after a wazwan feast and on cold winter mornings.