Healthy Karak Tea With Cardamom and Saffron: Less Sugar, Same Taste
Karak is the Gulf's winter and office companion. A regular cup is made with evaporated milk and lots of sugar and can reach 200 kcal or more. Ours uses low-fat milk and less sugar, with the same cardamom and saffron aroma.
What we changed
- Low-fat milk instead of evaporated milk
- One small spoon of sugar or stevia instead of three
- Cardamom and saffron bring big flavour so you need less sugar
Healthy Karak
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tsp fine black tea
- 4 crushed cardamom pods
- A pinch of soaked saffron
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 tsp sugar or stevia
Method
- Boil the water with the tea and cardamom for 3 minutes.
- Add the milk and saffron and simmer gently for 5 minutes until deep in colour.
- Stir in the sugar or stevia.
- Strain and serve hot.
Tip
The longer you simmer gently, the richer the karak gets — no evaporated milk needed.
How many calories in a regular karak?
It varies by shop, but a typical cup with evaporated milk and 2–3 spoons of sugar can reach 150–250 kcal. Two cups a day adds up to a big difference over a week compared with our version.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use light evaporated milk?
Yes — low-fat evaporated milk is a good middle ground between taste and calories.
Does karak contain caffeine?
Yes, from the black tea — cut back in the evening if it affects your sleep.
What's the best sugar substitute?
Stevia or a little coconut sugar, or train yourself down to one small spoon.
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⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.