Dandelion and Chicory Chai
"From their bright-yellow blossoms right down to their roots, dandelions are incredibly nutritious. This recipe focuses on the root, which can be eaten fresh as a vegetable, or can be dried and roasted to make hot drinks that are delicious substitutes for tea and coffee"
Dandelion and Chicory Chai
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Category
Dandelion and Chicory Chai
Cuisine
Indian
Servings
1
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
From their bright-yellow blossoms right down to their roots, dandelions are incredibly nutritious. This recipe focuses on the root, which can be eaten fresh as a vegetable, or can be dried and roasted to make hot drinks that are delicious substitutes for tea and coffee.
Earthy and slightly bitter in flavor, dandelion roots aid digestion and support liver health. I like to simmer the roasted roots with milk and spices to make a warm and nourishing “chai.”
Add a pinch of roasted chicory root for an extra layer of mocha-like richness. The blue-flowered chicory is a relative of the dandelion and its roots are a common substitute for, or addition to, coffee in France and New Orleans.
You can use dandelion and chicory that you forage in the wild, or buy the dried and ground roots from herb purveyors like Mountain Rose Herbs.
Organic Way LLC
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
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2 thin slices fresh ginger
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1 teaspoon coarsely ground roasted dandelion root
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1 teaspoon coarsely ground roasted chicory root (or, if you haven't got it, an extra 1 teaspoon dandelion root)
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2 black peppercorns, cracked
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2 green cardamom pods, cracked
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1 (1-inch) (2.5-centimeter) piece of cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
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1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk of your choice
- 1 tablespoon (20 grams) honey
Directions
Combine the water, ginger, dandelion root, chicory root, peppercorns, cardamom, clove, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Add the milk and honey; increase the heat to medium, and bring to a boil again, uncovered. Remove from the heat and strain into a cup. Discard the solids and serve immediately.