Masala Chai Recipe

tea kettle

Masala chai is a cozy , comforting Indian drink made by brewing black tea with a flavorful mix of warm spices, milk, and a touch of sweetness.

It is basically a warm hug in a mug that you can whip up on the stove in just a few minutes. All you need is some black tea, whatever milk you like, a crush of fresh ginger, and a pinch of cardamom. The traditional recipe leans heavily on fresh ginger and green cardamom, but it also includes cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. It is brewed entirely in one pot on the stove rather than steeped in a cup.

Ingredeints

Instructions

  1. Crush the cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger slightly with a mortar and pestle to release their oils.
  2. Boil the water and crushed spices (along with the cinnamon stick) in a small saucepan for 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the black tea and let it bubble for about 2 minutes until the water turns dark.
  4. Pour in the milk and bring the entire mixture back to a boil over medium heat, watching closely so it does not spill over.
  5. Simmer the chai on low-medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it develops a rich caramel-brown color.
  6. Strain the hot tea through a fine mesh sieve into mugs, stir in sweetener to taste, and serve.
tea tea