Special MPS Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon MPS Tea Leaves
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 4 cloves
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Spices: In a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the green cardamom pods and cloves to release their flavors. Alternatively, you can use pre-ground spices.
Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add Spices: Once the water boils, reduce the heat to low and add the crushed cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and sliced ginger to the water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the water with the spices.
Add MPS Tea Leaves: After simmering the spices, add the black tea leaves. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Adjust the steeping time based on your preference for tea strength.
Add Milk: After steeping the tea, pour in the milk and stir well. Let the tea simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the milk to blend with the flavors of the spices and tea.
Sweeten: Add sugar to the tea according to your taste preference. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Strain and Serve: Once the tea is ready, strain it into cups or mugs to remove the spices and tea leaves. You can use a fine mesh strainer or a tea strainer for this purpose.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg and black pepper on top of each cup of tea before serving.
Enjoy: Serve the MPS spiced hot tea and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
MPS Spiced Masoor Dal
Ingredients:
- 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils), rinsed and drained
- 3 cups water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon MPS chili powder
- 1 teaspoon MPS coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon MPS turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Cook Lentils: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed masoor dal and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, mash the lentils slightly with the back of a spoon or a potato masher. Set aside.
Prepare Tempering: In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent.
Add Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and pulpy. Then, add MPS chili powder, MPS coriander powder, and MPS turmeric powder. Mix well and cook for another couple of minutes.
Combine with Lentils: Pour the cooked lentils into the pan with the tempered spices and mix everything together. Add salt to taste and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the MPS Spiced Masoor Dal with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.
Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this MPS spiced lentil curry!