Ladakh Butter Tea Po Cha Salty Yak Churned Warming Sustaining

Method

1. 1

   Brew very strong black tea: boil water, add tea leaves and baking soda if using, boil 5 minutes.

2. 2

   The tea should be almost black. Strain.

3. 3

   Pour strained tea into a blender. Add butter, salt and milk.

4. 4

   Blend for 1 minute until fully emulsified and slightly frothy — the butter tea should be a uniform light brown with no visible fat pools.

5. 5

   Alternatively whisk extremely vigorously for 3 to 4 minutes.

6. 6

   Serve immediately in small cups. In Ladakhi custom butter tea is refilled immediately when the cup is less than full.

7. 7

   The salty fatty character surprises those expecting sweet tea.