Kashmiri Tea

INGREDIENTS:

6 tsp. of Green Tea Leaves
15 seeds from Cardamom Pods (Choti Ilaichi)
½ Ground Cardamom (Pisi Ilaichi)
6 tsp. Pistachios (Pista) (grounded)
½ tsp. Soda Bicarbonate
Full Cream
Fresh Cream (Malai)
½ liter Whole Milk
6 cups Water


METHOD:

Pour water in a large heavy based pan. Add tea leaves, salt, seeds of green cardamom and soda bicarbonate. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer briskly for 45 minutes or until it reduces to 1/3 its quantity.
While it is boiling, pour in about 2-3 cups of cold water or enough water to make four cups in total. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and set aside.
In a pot, boil the whole milk with ground cardamom over low heat. Pour in the prepared tea water (Qahwa). Bring to a boil, add salt and simmer for 3-5 minutes over low heat. Remove from heat and pour into 6 cups. Pour 1 tablespoon of cream or malai. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of pistachio over it.