Zesty Tea Salad Recipe

We all know someone always ready for an evening chai along with some of the juiciest gossip and I think they should be introduced to tea salads. Yes, the earthy flavour of tea is not compromised in this tea salad recipe, and this Laphet Thoke is way more special than any other you have ever tried.

A Taste of Tradition

Myanmar is a hospitable country, and the people there make sure that all their guests are well-fed. Hence, there is no doubt that the ingredients of the tea salad are filled with lots of love and taste. The fermented green tea leaves are the key components of this salad. The salad has all types of textures that a salad requires, and no one can deny that the taste of tea is unmatched. Let us learn more about how this innovative idea came into existence, and whom we have to thank for making our most beloved tea into something we can munch upon.     

The Origin: Eating tea in Myanmar has been going on since prehistoric times, and it has been consumed by many rulers  since the 1100s.

Local Cuisine: Tea is native to Myanmar, hence cuisines revolving around it are natural. Tea shops became a common fixture during the colonial era, and eating fermented tea leaves became a local dish. 

Historical Context: The pre-colonial era was the one when Laphet was considered a peace offering between warring kingdoms. It was exchanged and consumed after settling a dispute in ancient Myanmar.

Festivals: Thingyan is the celebration of Burmese New Year, where serving Laphet Thoke is just like distributing sweets to celebrate something. 

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Crafting Your Burmese Tea Salad With The Tangy Tea Leaves

As discussed earlier, the Tea salad recipe has a key ingredient that is fermented green tea leaves. The tanginess of the salad comes through it, which makes it a perfect blend of earthy, tanky, tarty, and savory flavors. We all know how amazing tea is, but did we ever consider it to be this versatile?

Ingredients:

For Tea Leaf Laphet

• 1/2 cup Tea Leaves: Citrus Mint Green Tea or Kitchen Table Blend Black/Green
• 1 Lemon (or about 3 tablespoons of lemon juice)
• 3 Garlic Cloves
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 1 tablespoon Peanut Oil
• 2 tablespoons Diced Ginger (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For Salad

• 3-5 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Lemon
• Fresh Tomatoes, diced
• Romaine Lettuce, chopped
• Toasted Sunflower Seeds
• Sesame Seeds
• Roasted Peanuts
• Crunchy Split Yellow Peas

Directions:

Step 1: Preparing Tea Leaf Laphet 

1. Sort through 1/2 cup of tea leaves, removing any twigs or tough bits.
2. Pour leaves into a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the leaves and rinse them under cool water.
4. Soak the tea leaves in cold water for **1 hour**. 
5. Drain the tea leaves, squeezing out excess water.
6. In a blender, combine the squeezed tea leaves, 3 garlic cloves, lemon juice from one lemon, sesame oil, peanut oil, diced ginger (if using), and salt. Blend until you achieve a consistency similar to pesto. Scrape down the sides as needed. You have your tea salad dressing ready!
7. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Making the Salad

1. Slice 3-5 garlic cloves and fry them in a pan until they turn a light brown color. Keep a close watch to avoid bitterness.
2. Chop romaine lettuce. Dice fresh tomatoes.
3. Have toasted sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, and crunchy split yellow peas ready!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Start by placing a generous amount of chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl.
2. Sprinkle in the crunchy bits: toasted sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, and split yellow peas.
3. Add the diced tomatoes for freshness.
4. Add a spoonful of the chilled tea leaf mixture right in the center.
5. Squeeze some fresh lemon over the top for an extra zing.
6. Gently toss everything together until well blended.
7. Serve the salad with the joyous phrase, “hsa ba!” (please eat)!

Want to make your tea salad experience more fun? Gather your friends and family for a combined cooking experience with one chopping up the veggies, one mixing it all up, and one person tasting to make sure you have the best Burmese tea salad experience. And if you are a protein fanatic, then you can add tofu, paneer, or even chicken to it. Combine the bites of tea leaves, crunchy vegetables, and the tangy tea salad dressing that represents the rich tradition of Myanmar. Deepen your appreciation for this astounding country by giving your taste buds a feast.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories – 180 kcal
• Fat – 13 g
• Carbs – 14 g
• Protein – 5 g

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