Tibetan Highland Barley Meals, Part 1 of 2 – Tsampa (Roasted Flour), Vegan Tsampa Balls & Vegan Cashew Milk Tea

Tibet is often referred to as the Roof of the World due to its location on the Tibetan Plateau, which is the most elevated region on our planet, with an average altitude of about 4,000 meters above sea level. Tibetans have developed a staple food called tsampa, which is roasted highland barley and milled into flour. It is usually mixed with Tibetan tea. Furthermore, it is simple to make, easy to carry, fuel-saving, and suitable for sustaining the human body at these high altitudes.

Today we are pleased to show you how you can make your own Tsampa; create scrumptious Vegan Tsampa Balls accompanied with Vegan Tibetan Cashew Milk Tea. It’s a tradition in Tibet to first roast the highland barley grains before grinding them into flour. When the grains start bursting and crackling in the pan, and the color starts turning golden brown, it is an indication that the grains are cooked. Turn off the heat, transfer the toasted highland barley grains onto a plate, and leave them to cool completely. Next, pour the roasted grains into a high-speed blender and grind them into a powder.

The Tsampa made with tea has a unique flavor. First, put 15 grams of Tibetan tea leaves into a tea bag. Pour 1.6 liters of water into a kettle. Add five grams of salt and then put the tea bag into the kettle. Turn on the stove to start brewing the tea. Next, put 30 grams of coconut oil into a bowl. Then pour in 80 milliliters of the brewed tea and let the coconut oil melt. We use coconut oil instead of the ghee that is used in the traditional recipe. This will give us a more delicious and healthier Vegan Tsampa Ball and is harmless towards animal-people. Add a small handful of boiled silverweed roots into the bowl.

After the roasted highland barley flour and tea are mixed to the right consistency, take a fistful of the mixture and roll it into a ball. You can add either vegan sugar or salt before mixing to get sweet or savory Vegan Tsampa to suit your preference. Our Vegan Tsampa Balls are ready.

Pour 500 milliliters of the cashew milk into the brewed tea, and then add some vegan coffee creamer to your liking. Pour the vegan milk tea into a serving bowl, and now the mellow vegan milk tea is ready to be served. Enjoying Vegan Tsampa Balls with delicious Vegan Cashew Milk Tea is sure to bring you moments of calmness and tranquility.