Ginger chai. The traditional Indian milk tea prepared by brewing black tea with fresh crushed ginger, milk, water, cardamom and sweetener. Crush a small piece of ginger, add it to boiling water with tea leaves or tea bags, and simmer with milk and your favorite sweetener. A light sprinkle of ground cardamom adds extra flavor!
Fresh ginger is, obviously, one of the most favorite additions to classic Indian tea. Made popular by street-side tea vendors, commonly known as “chaiwalas”, strong brews and unique preparation styles turned tea drinking into a social ritual. Chai simply means tea, and this version with ginger is essentially ginger infused tea. Known widely as adrak chai, the recipe is shaped by tradition, and is a simple combination of black tea, fresh ginger, milk, cardamom, water and sweetener.
Unlike a simple ginger infusion made by steeping ginger in hot water, the Indian version of this recipe is usually prepared by simmering all the ingredients together. During the process, the ginger releases its aromatic compounds and combines with black tea and milk bringing in a beautiful flavor and aroma. Ginger is the defining ingredient of this recipe. Fresh ginger is my preferred choice over ground ginger because it provides a more vibrant and layered aroma. Remember to adjust the amount according to personal preference. Black tea brings in a robust flavor and complements the flavor of ginger. The addition of milk gives the tea its creamy texture. Sugar is the sweetener in the classic recipe, jaggery and honey are also great options. I also love the addition of beautiful spices like cardamom.
Key Ingredients In Ginger Chai
- Ginger - Use fresh ginger.
- Black tea - Tea leaves or tea bags.
- Milk - Whole milk is the best option, however, oat or soy milk is a great alternative.
- Spices - Cardamom.
- Sweetener - White sugar, honey or jaggery.
How To Make Ginger Chai
Step 1 - Boil water with ginger
Let the crushed ginger simmer in water for approximately three to five minutes. This will help to infuse the water with ginger before the addition of tea.
Step 2 - Add the tea
Simmer water with tea leaves or bags for approximately one to two minutes. Avoid prolonged boiling, which can produce an unpleasant flavor.
Step 3 - Add milk and sweetener
Once you add milk and your preferred sweetener, simmer again to allow the ingredients to combine. Add a sprinkle of ground cardamom for extra flavor.
Ginger Chai | Indian Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 2 cm fresh ginger
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose black tea
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar or to taste
- 2 cardamom pods, crushed (discard the pods)
Instructions
- Peel and lightly crush the ginger.
- Add water to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a gentle boil and allow the mixture for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add tea. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add milk and sugar. Stir to combine. Simmer for another 4-5 minutes.
- Add ground cardamom. Simmer for about one minute.
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Strain chai, if using tea leaves.
Notes
- Milk - Whole milk is the preferred choice, however, oat milk and soy milk are great alternatives.
- Sugar - White sugar is the traditional choice, but alternatives include jaggery, brown sugar and honey.
Nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ginger Chai
Is ginger chai made with fresh or powdered ginger?
Traditional ginger chai is made with fresh ginger.
Is ginger chai the same as ginger tea?
Not exactly. Ginger tea can refer to an infusion of ginger and water, whereas traditional Indian ginger chai usually combines ginger with black tea, milk and sweetener.
Can ginger chai be made without milk?
Yes. Ginger chai can be prepared without dairy milk or with a plant-based alternative. A milk free version will have more pronounced ginger and tea flavors.
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