Turkish Cay Black Tea

Fill the bottom pot of your çaydanlık (Turkish double teapot) with approximately 5 cups of fresh cold water. Place it on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

While the water is heating, add 4-5 tablespoons of Turkish black tea leaves into the smaller, top pot of the çaydanlık. Ensure the tea leaves are spread evenly.

Once the water in the bottom pot is boiling, carefully pour about 1.5 to 2 cups of the hot water over the tea leaves in the top pot. Ensure all tea leaves are submerged.

Refill the bottom pot with fresh cold water, leaving enough space for the steam to rise. Place the top pot (with the tea leaves and hot water) back on top of the bottom pot. Reduce the heat to low.

Allow the tea to steep gently for at least 15-20 minutes, or even up to 25-30 minutes, ensuring the water in the bottom pot continues to simmer, keeping the tea in the top pot warm and allowing it to brew properly.

To serve, pour the strong tea concentrate from the top pot into traditional small, tulip-shaped tea glasses. Fill about one-third to one-half of the glass, depending on your preferred strength. Then, dilute with hot water from the bottom pot to your taste.

Turkish Cay is traditionally served with sugar cubes on the side, allowing each person to sweeten their tea to their liking. Stir gently and enjoy your authentic Turkish Black Tea.