Masala chai recipe

Dec 17, 2023

The Magic of Masala Chai

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting embrace of a cup of masala chai. This traditional Indian beverage is a beautiful blend of black tea, milk, sugar, and a medley of aromatic spices. Not only is it a delight to the senses, but it also has a slew of health benefits. Here's how you can make your own masala chai at home.

masala chai

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. To make masala chai, you will need:

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of sweetner or stevia
  • A mix of spices: 2 green cardamom pods, 1 inch of fresh ginger, 2 cloves, 1 small stick of cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper
chai ingredients

Preparation

Step 1: Crush the Spices

First, crush the spices. You can use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. The idea is to release the flavors and oils from the spices. Don't grind them into a powder; just crush them enough to open them up.

Step 2: Boil the Water and Spices

Next, add the water and the crushed spices to a pot. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This infuses the water with the flavors of the spices.

boiling spices

Step 3: Add the Tea Leaves

Now, add the tea leaves to the pot. Let them steep in the boiling water for about 2 minutes. This allows the tea to release its flavor into the water.

Step 4: Add the Milk and Sugar

Then, add the milk and sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Finally, strain the tea into cups, making sure to catch all the spices and tea leaves. Your masala chai is now ready to serve! Enjoy it hot, ideally with some biscuits or snacks on the side.

straining chai

Conclusion

Making masala chai at home is a simple process, but the result is a complex, flavorful beverage that's truly a treat for the senses. The combination of the aromatic spices, the strong black tea, and the creamy milk creates a harmony of flavors that's both comforting and invigorating. So why not give it a try? You might just find your new favorite drink.