Description
Warm, comforting homemade Masala Chai with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. A perfect blend of tea, milk, and spices to soothe your soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, your preference!)
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and crushed
- 4–5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 3–4 cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, lightly crushed
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea (Assam or Darjeeling work well)
- Sugar or honey, to taste
Instructions
- Crush the Spices: Crush the peeled ginger, cardamom pods, and peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife. Break the cinnamon stick into smaller pieces.
- Boil the Water: In a saucepan, combine the water with the crushed ginger, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Spices: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add the Tea: Add the loose leaf black tea and steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the milk (dairy or non-dairy) and stir gently.
- Simmer Again: Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to boil over.
- Strain the Chai: Place a fine-mesh sieve or tea strainer over your mug or teapot. Carefully pour the chai through the strainer to remove the spices and tea leaves.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add sugar or honey to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the strained chai into your mug and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Spice Variations: Adjust the spice blend to your liking. Consider adding star anise, fennel seeds, or dried ginger.
- Tea Variations: Experiment with different types of black tea like Assam or Darjeeling.
- Milk Variations: Use any type of milk you prefer, such as dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Sweetener Variations: Try maple syrup, agave nectar, or jaggery for a unique flavor.
- Iced Masala Chai: Cool completely and pour over ice for a refreshing summer treat.
- Fresh Spices: Use fresh, whole spices for the best flavor. Grind your own spices just before using them.
- Don’t Overboil the Milk: Simmer the milk gently to prevent curdling.
- Adjusting for Altitude: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the simmering time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes