Two special tea recipes — Matka tea and Rosella tea — have been published in a culinary feature by the popular Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo. The recipes, prepared by Zebunnesa Begum, can be easily followed at home.

Matka Tea: A Distinct Smoky Flavor

This tea, brewed in a traditional clay pot (matka), is renowned for its unique smoky aroma. The burnt scent of the clay pot infuses into the tea, offering a completely different taste compared to tea made in a regular kettle or cup.

**Ingredients:** - Liquid milk: 1 cup - Powdered milk: 2 tablespoons - Sugar: 2 teaspoons (to taste) - Saffron: ½ teaspoon - Tea leaves: 2 tablespoons - Water: 2 cups - Clay pots (matka): 3-4 pieces - Cardamom: 2 pieces

**Method:** First, clean the clay pots and let them dry. In a separate pot, boil the liquid milk, powdered milk, sugar, and saffron together for 5 minutes.

In another vessel, boil the water and add the tea leaves, letting it steep for another 5 minutes. Strain the tea and pour it into the milk mixture.

Next, heat the clay pot thoroughly on the stove until it is slightly burnt. Place the hot pot in a larger container and pour the hot tea into it.

The burnt or smoky aroma of the pot will infuse into the tea. Finally, pour the tea from the burnt pot into cups or smaller clay pots and serve hot.

Rosella Tea: A Tangy and Healthy Alternative

Rosella flowers are now readily available in the market. A delicious and healthy tea can be made using the petals of this flower or its sour leaves. This tea can be enjoyed both hot and cold.

**Ingredients:** - Dried or fresh rosella flower petals or sour leaves: 1 teaspoon - Water: 2 cups - Green chili, chopped: 1 teaspoon - Honey: 2 teaspoons - Mint leaves: as needed - Lemon juice: ½ teaspoon

**Method:** Boil the sour leaves or rosella flower petals in hot water for a few minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup.

Then, mix in the chopped green chili, honey, and lemon juice, and serve hot. For a cold version, allow the rosella tea to cool, then serve it with ice and chopped mint leaves.

These two recipes are expected to provide tea enthusiasts with a new taste experience from the comfort of their homes.

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