Pocha (Tibetan Butter Tea)

Tibetans drink dozens of cups of this restorative butter tea a day. Not only does it quench thirst but it is also a satisfying drink packed with energy to sustain people throughout the day.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  cups water
• 1  tablespoon  loose black tea (heaping)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2⁄3 cup half-and-half or 2⁄3 cup  yak's milk

Directions

1. Combine the water and tea in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, and then turn off the heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the liquid over a large bowl; discard the tea leaves.
2. Transfer the liquid back to the saucepan and bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to a simmer. Add the salt, sugar, butter, and half-and-half and whisk until the butter has completely dissolved and a little foam forms on the surface. Serve the tea in small bowls.