Chai Za'faran (Saffron Tea)

Right next to coffee, tea is considered the next most popular drink consumed througghout the Middle East.Tea is considered a traditional sign of hospitality.It is often the first drink offered to guests when visiting a home or while conducting business, whether in an office or souk.Teas are also drunk in the Middle East for medicinal purposes as people believe they can relieve or cure a number of common ailments.Unlike in the West, tea in the Middle East is prepared using loose, dried leaves and/or spices and served in small glasses and presented on a silver tray.Sugar lumps are offered with tea, but instead of stirring them in, it is cutomary to place them on the tongue and sip tea through it.The following is an unusual recipe of saffron tea , I have been told it's from somewhere in the Arab Gulf States, possibly Kuwait.Please let me know if this is correct.

Ingredients:

4 c water

1 tsp. saffron

lump sugar, for serving

1.Boil the water.When water is boiling add the saffron.Turn heat off.Allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes.

2.Pour tea into small glasses and serve with lump of sugar.