Senegalese tea culture is an important part of daily social life. Senegal tea-drinking revolves around mint tea especially, similar to other countries in the West Africa region, such as Guinea, Gambia and Mauritania. Whether at work, at home, or even in the streets, it's a crucial part of Senegalese social life, much like Ethiopia's coffee ceremony. Ataya's not a quick process—the whole thing can take up to three hours—but that allows for more time for friends and family to talk and catch up. However, throughout the explained processes below, get ready to be able to drink your ataya in no time, no matter the time and location!!
INGREDIENTS
1 Ataya bag
Water
Sugar
PREPARATION
Using the microwave - Place a bag of Ataya in your favorite cup or mug with water. Place the mug in the microwave for 2 minutes or more depending on how strong and bitter you want your ataya. Then add sugar or honey to taste.
Using a pot: Place a bag of Ataya in the pot (or “brada” as called in Senegal) with water and bring water to a rolling boil until it reaches the flavor you want. Pour in small tiny glass (or kas as called in Senegal) You can also use shot glasses to fully experience the ceremony! Add sugar or honey to taste. Then, pour ¾ of the ataya in one glass, then proceed by pouring from glass to glass to create a thick foam on top. The higher up you pour from, the better! Finally, pour back the ataya in the pot and heat a little more. While the ataya is heating up, make sure to clean the outside of the glasses so it doesn't stick to the fingers when serving the ataya. Finally, serve the ataya in the pre-foamed glasses and voila!
Please note the tea bags are reusable depending on how strong you want your tea. You can use more than a bag should you want to brew your tea even stronger and more bitter!
As usual, make sure to let us know how it went.
Bon Appetit,
Aby
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