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Yansoon (anise tea)
ينسون: aniseed simmered into a sweet, liquorice-scented tea, sipped at bedtime or after a heavy meal
Every Cairo ahwa has yansoon on its menu, chalked up next to tea and helba, and in Egyptian homes it is the drink of evenings, colds and upset stomachs. It is made with green aniseed, often from Upper Egypt, simmered briefly and sweetened. People reach for it after a feast at Eid, during winter coughs, or simply at night because it is caffeine-free and traditionally drunk to calm and help sleep. It is pale gold and sweet, with a soft liquorice scent and a slightly peppery warmth at the end. Many Egyptian mothers give a weak version to infants, but herbal teas are not suitable for babies under six months; ask your doctor first. The common mistake is boiling the seeds for too long, which makes the tea cloudy and bitter: crush them lightly, boil for only a few minutes, then let them steep off the heat. Also do not swap in star anise, a different plant with a harsher taste. It is ready when the liquid is light golden and smells strongly of anise when you lift the lid. Chef's tip: a thin slice of lemon or a few drops of lemon juice brightens the cup without hiding the anise.
- Total time
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
For the tea
- 1 tbsp green aniseed
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 2 tsp white sugarto taste
- 2 lemon slices (optional)
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Rinse 1 tbsp green aniseed in a fine sieve, then crush it lightly in a mortar, just enough to crack the seeds.
2 minStep 2: Bring 2 ¼ cups water to the boil in a small pot, add the seeds and boil gently over medium heat for 3 minutes.
6 minStep 3: Take off the heat, cover and leave to steep for 5 minutes, until the liquid is light golden and smells strongly of anise.
5 minStep 4: Strain into two cups, stir in 2 tsp white sugar until dissolved and add 2 lemon slices if you like. Drink hot.
1 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 25 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 6 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does yansoon (anise tea) take?
- About 12 minutes in total: 2 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of green aniseed?
- Fennel seeds, same amount (milder).
- What can I use instead of white sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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