Tea can be a delicious and unexpected ingredient in a variety of recipes, adding unique flavors and aromas to dishes. Here are three delicious recipes that use different types of tea as a key ingredient:
Chai Tea Spiced Oatmeal
Chai tea is a fragrant blend of spices, black tea, and milk. It's often enjoyed as a hot drink, but it can also be used to infuse other dishes with its rich flavour. This chai tea spiced oatmeal is a warming and hearty breakfast that's perfect for cold mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 chai tea bag
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit for topping
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan, bring the water and chai tea bag to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
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Remove the tea bag and add the oats, milk, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are cooked to your liking.
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If desired, stir in honey to sweeten the oatmeal.
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Serve hot, topped with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit
Earl Grey Tea Infused Chocolate Truffles
Earl Grey tea is a black tea flavoured with bergamot, a type of citrus fruit. Its floral and citrus notes make it a perfect pairing for dark chocolate in these decadent truffles.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Cocoa powder or chopped nuts for coating
Directions:
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Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
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Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes.
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Remove the tea bags and return the cream to a simmer.
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Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
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Add the softened butter and whisk until smooth and shiny.
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Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, until firm.
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Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the chocolate mixture into small balls.
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Roll the balls in cocoa powder or chopped nuts to coat.
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Store the truffles in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Green Tea Poached Salmon
This recipe uses green tea as a poaching liquid for salmon, resulting in a delicate and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 cups water
- 2 green tea bags
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a large skillet or shallow pan, bring the water to a simmer. Add the green tea bags and let steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the skillet and let the salmon cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve the salmon warm, either on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.
Enjoy all the goodness of your favourite tea blends in your favourite foodie recipes.