Addictive Fresh Lemongrass Tea Recipe
Indulging in a warm cup of tea can be a delightful experience, especially when that tea is infused with the vibrant, citrusy aroma of fresh lemongrass. This Addictive Fresh Lemongrass Tea is not just refreshing; it’s a simple recipe that can elevate your tea-drinking experience to new heights. Perfect for any time of the day, this tea is easy to prepare and offers a unique flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
US Measurements:
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups roughly chopped lemongrass stalks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Lime wheels for garnish (optional)
European Metric Measurements:
- 1 liter water
- 200 grams roughly chopped lemongrass stalks
- 50 grams sugar
- Lime wheels for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Boil the Water: Start by bringing 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a rolling boil in a medium-sized saucepan over high heat.
- Add the Lemongrass: Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups (200 grams) of roughly chopped lemongrass stalks to the pan. Allow it to boil rapidly for about 5 minutes, which will release the lemongrass’s essential oils.
- Simmer the Tea: After 5 minutes of rapid boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the tea simmer for an additional 5 minutes to enhance the flavors further.
- Strain the Tea: Once the tea has finished simmering, strain the liquid to remove the lemongrass stalks. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for this step.
- Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in 1/4 cup (50 grams) of sugar until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Serve: Enjoy the tea warm, or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing iced version. When serving, feel free to garnish with lime wheels for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 60 calories per serving (without lime wheels)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 0g
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Select Fresh Lemongrass: Always choose fresh, green lemongrass stalks for the best flavor. Avoid stalks that are brown or wilted.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe according to your taste preferences. Alternatively, consider using honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Add Spices for Extra Flavor: If you want to enhance the tea’s depth, consider adding a few slices of ginger or a couple of crushed green cardamom pods during the boiling process.
Possible Variations
- Herbal Infusion: To diversify the flavor profile, you can add a handful of mint leaves or basil leaves along with the lemongrass for a refreshing herbal twist.
- Fruit-Infused Lemongrass Tea: For a fruity version, you can add slices of fresh ginger or citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits to the mix for a vibrant and refreshing tea.
This Addictive Fresh Lemongrass Tea recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and aromatic qualities that make it a perfect choice for any tea lover. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this tea is sure to become a staple in your beverage repertoire.