Masala Chai | Indian Masala Tea | Video

Masala chai. Looking for an easy, tasty way to enjoy a comforting drink in winter? Then try this classic Indian style chai or tea infused with aromatic spices.

No one can deny the fact that a hot cup of classic tea straight from the street vendors or chaiwallahs is the ultimate way to enjoy this refreshing drink.

The word ‘chai’ simply refers to ‘tea’, and masala chai is all about tea simmered in heaps of aromatic spices. The soothing and comforting aroma of this chai is totally amazing. Even though chai mix is available in the form of tea bags and powdered drinks these days, I totally love this homemade version created from scratch.

To make the base of this delicious masala chai, a few dried spices like cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves and cardamom pods are lightly crushed. The flavor and aroma of the crushed spices is easily infused into the tea making it rich in aromatic spices.

You’ll also need to add a small piece of crushed fresh ginger which will again enhance the taste of this masala tea. I highly recommend adding fresh ginger in this recipe, but when you don’t have any fresh ones on hand, feel free to use ground ginger.

Now add these dried spices and ginger to boiling water, and simmer for about 2 minutes. Milk is an important element of masala chai, so choose your favorite- full fat or skim. Once milk is simmered along with water and spices, we’ll add in the core element of this chai – black tea leaves.

Traditionally, loose black tea leaves are used to make this delicious tea. But tea bags also make the perfect choice. You’ll also need to simmer the tea mixture again after adding the tea leaves.

Finally, strain and enjoy a hot cup of tea. So, what are you waiting for?

 

Yield: 4

Masala Chai | Indian Masala Tea | Video

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Classic Indian tea simmered with plenty of aromatic spices and fresh ginger

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 7 minutes

Total Time 9 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 8 black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp whole cloves
• 5 green cardamom pods
• 1” fresh ginger
• 3 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 6 tsp loose black tea leaves
• Sugar to taste

Instructions

1. Place cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom pods and ginger in mortar and pestle. Crush lightly. Set aside.
2. Place water in a saucepan. Add dried spices and ginger. Bring to boil. Simmer 2 minutes. Add milk. Simmer 2 minutes. Add tea leaves. Simmer 2 minutes. Add sugar to taste. Strain. Serve hot.

Notes

- More spices like fennel seeds, star anise and nutmeg can be added according to individual preferences

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 74Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 7mgSodium 66mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 3gSugar 1gProtein 4g

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