Noon chai (Kashmiri pink tea)

Instructions

1. Lightly crush the cardamom pods and boil them in the water with the cinnamon for 5 minutes.
2. Add the tea and let it infuse for 3 minutes over low heat.
3. Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer without letting it boil.
4. Add the pinch of bicarbonate of soda: the mixture should turn pink or orange.
5. Add a light pinch of salt and the saffron if you are using it.
6. Strain the tea into cups and sprinkle with almonds and pistachios.
7. Serve hot with naan bread.