Ladakh Tsampa Roasted Barley Butter Tea Altitude Survival Food

Method

1. 1

   Prepare a simplified butter tea: mix 1/2 cup strong black tea with butter, salt and milk.

2. 2

   Blend or whisk vigorously until emulsified into a uniform, slightly frothy drink.

3. 3

   In a wide bowl place 1 cup tsampa (roasted barley flour).

4. 4

   Pour the butter tea over the tsampa gradually while mixing with your fingers — add just enough for the tsampa to come together into a cohesive, crumbly but mouldable dough.

5. 5

   Do not add all the liquid at once.

6. 6

   If using chhurpi, knead it into the mixture.

7. 7

   Shape into balls or a roll in the bowl itself.

8. 8

   Tsampa is eaten directly from the bowl — digging out pieces with the fingers and pressing into small balls to eat.

9. 9

   This is sustenance food at altitude — dense, filling and warming.