Lemongrass Pandan Tea Recipe

Picture this: a steaming cup of lemongrass and pandan tea, warming your hands and soul on a lazy afternoon. It’s like a cozy hug that transports you to a tropical paradise with every sip, leaving you refreshed yet relaxed—an ideal escape from the mundane.

I adore making a warm cup of tea from freshly picked lemongrass and aromatic pandan leaves. In this beloved recipe, they combine to create the soothing, fragrant tea of my dreams and fit neatly in the title of my forthcoming book: Brewed Awakenings: Pandan and Lemongrass Tea.

My beloved recipe adds a piece of warming ginger and a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors, but I never skimp on the tea. Brew it slowly and mindfully, and you will be rewarded.

Serve it hot with a generous squeeze of lemon.

Lemongrass Pandan Tea Recipe Ingredients

• Lemongrass: Adds citrusy aroma; aids digestion and inflammation reduction.
• Pandan Leaves: Offers a sweet, floral fragrance; used to enhance aroma and flavor.
• Ginger: Provides warmth and spiciness; boosts immunity and has anti-nausea effect.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; rich in antioxidants and has soothing properties.
• Lemon/Lime Wedges: Adds tangy freshness; high in vitamin C and promotes hydration.

Lemongrass Pandan Tea Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups of water
• 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and lightly crushed
• 4 pandan leaves, tied into knots
• 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sweetener of choice, to taste
• Lemon or lime wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make this Lemongrass Pandan Tea Recipe

1. Heat 4 cups of water to boiling in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Introduce the 2-inch sections of fresh lemongrass into the boiling water.

3. Add in the pandan leaves, tied into knots, and add to the water.

4. If you want, you can add the sliced ginger for another layer of flavor.

5. Lower the heat and let the mix simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

6. Following a simmer, take the saucepan from the heat and permit the tea to steep for 5 more minutes.

7. Pour the tea into a teapot or directly into your serving cups. Discard the lemongrass, pandan leaves, and ginger slices— if you think of them as the unsung heroes of this Elixir of Goodness. They deserve your reverent attention as they make the tea so much healthier!

8. 1-2 tb honey or sweetener; adjust to taste.

9. Mix thoroughly until the sweetener has completely dissolved.

10. Hot or iced, the tea is best served with lemon or lime wedges on the side—an optional garnish that makes for a nice, citrusy twist.

Lemongrass Pandan Tea Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan
2. Teapot or serving cups
3. Spoon (for stirring)
4. Measuring cups
5. Knife
6. Cutting board

FAQ

• What is the best way to prepare the lemongrass?Trim the lemongrass and slice it into 2-inch pieces. Use the back of a knife to lightly crush it; this will help release the oils and flavor of the lemongrass, making your tea taste even better.
• Can I use dried pandan leaves instead of fresh ones?Indeed, dried pandan leaves can be used; however, for the optimal scent, fresh leaves are the way to go. If dried is your only option, then lessen the amount you use, as dried leaves are usually more flavor-intense.
• Is the ginger required?The tea can be made without ginger, but it is a nice complement to the spices and adds a generous amount of warmth and flavor. If you aren’t up for the ginger tea challenge, it’s perfectly fine to use all the spices except for ginger.
• How do I adjust the sweetness?Begin with 1 tablespoon of honey, adding more if necessary. Adjust based on your particular taste or substitute with a sweetener of your choice.
• Can this tea be served cold?Lemongrass pandan tea can be sipped at any temperature. Drink it hot right after brewing, or let it cool completely and serve it over ice for a lovely refreshing drink.
• What are pandan leaves?Leaves from the pandan plant, a tropical species that grows in many parts of the world, are used in cooking and baking for their delightfully fragrant aroma—an aroma the Perfumer’s Workshop has faithfully re-created (in a way, much like a top chef reconstructing the flavors of a signature dish for the uninitiated).
• How long can I store the tea?The tea can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days at most. Ensure that it is covered to keep its taste fresh.

Lemongrass Pandan Tea Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If fresh lemongrass is not available, you can use dried lemongrass or lemongrass tea bags in your place.
Instead of pandan leaves, you can incorporate a few drops of pandan extract to achieve a similar flavor.
If you can’t get hold of ginger, you can use galangal instead. You’ll get a slightly different flavor profile, but you’ll still capture the essence of this dish.
Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener.
If you cannot find fresh lemon or lime wedges, you may use a few drops of lemon or lime extract, or lemon or lime juice from a bottle, instead.

Pro Tips

1. Crush the Lemongrass More To maximize the flavor extraction from the lemongrass, use the back of a knife or a mallet to crush the stalks before cutting them. This will release more of their fragrant oils into the tea.

2. Adjust Simmering Time for Depth If you prefer a stronger flavor, extend the simmering time by an additional 5-10 minutes. This will deepen the infusion of the lemongrass and pandan.

3. Build richness with Ginger For a bolder taste, grate the ginger instead of slicing it. Grated ginger releases more of its juice and natural oils, enhancing the flavor of the tea.

4. Chill for Iced Tea If serving iced, allow the tea to completely cool before refrigerating. Add ice just before serving to prevent dilution and maintain flavor intensity.

5. Experiment with Sweeteners Try experimenting with different sweeteners, such as agave nectar or coconut sugar, to complement the tea’s herbal notes with unique flavors. Adjust the amount based on the type of sweetener used, as sweetness levels can vary.