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samovar with white tea pot over it
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5 from 3 votes

Samovar Tea (Chai it Simawar)

Everything you need to know about making Samovar tea.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Assyrian, Middle Eastern
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 2kcal

Equipment

  • Samovar

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup loose earl grey tea
  • 3 to 5 cardamom pods (optional)
  • water
  • Assyrian sugar cubes

Instructions

  • Fill the body of the samovar with water. Plug the cord in, and turn on the knob, if your samovar has one. Bring water to a boil. This can take approximately 30 minutes.
  • Fill the teapot with the tea, and the cardamom, if using.
  • Add boiling water to the tea pot.
  • Place the filled teapot on top of the samovar. Allow to simmer for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Place a strainer over a tea cup and pour some of the tea into the cup. The amount will depend on how strong you prefer your tea.
  • Finish by filling the cup with enough hot water to achieve the desired tea strength.

Notes

    • Because they are usually manufactured overseas, a lot of the electric samovars need a converter in order to be used in America.
    • Samovars are saved for special occasions. They are usually brought out when entertaining a large group.
    • For daily use, Assyrians follow the same concept as making samovar tea, but on a smaller scale. A tea kettle is topped with a tea pot, with is usually brewing all day Long (see picture below). When unexpected guests arrive, and they always do, tea is ready to be served.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 2kcal