Butter Tea
An authentic beverage recipe from Ladakh, India — with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.
The Story Behind the Dish
Butter Tea is a treasured beverage dish from Ladakh, India — a reflection of the region's ingredients, climate, and culinary traditions passed down through generations.
Ingredients
0/5 gatheredCooking Instructions
Bring 800 ml of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the tea leaves and simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until the tea is very strong and dark.
Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a blender or a traditional Tibetan butter churn (dongmo). Discard the tea leaves.
Add the butter (cut into small pieces), salt, and milk to the hot tea in the blender.
Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is frothy, emulsified, and has a uniform, creamy consistency. In a traditional churn, this is done by pumping the plunger up and down vigorously for 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust salt — butter tea should be noticeably salty, not sweet.
Pour into cups and serve immediately while hot.
Traditionally, the cup is refilled as soon as it is partially drunk, keeping it always warm.
Cook
15 mins
Serves
4 servings
Level
Easy