Masala Chai
Masala Chai is a fragrant and invigorating spiced milk tea, a staple beverage in India. It's made by simmering black tea with a blend of aromatic spices, milk, and sugar, creating a comforting and flavorful drink.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tsp Black tea leaves(Use a robust black tea like Assam or Darjeeling for best flavor.)
- 300 ml Whole milk(You can use 2% or whole milk for a creamier chai. For a lighter version, use skim milk or a dairy-free alternative.)
- 200 ml Water
- 3 pods Green cardamom pods(Slightly bruised or crushed to release their aroma.)
- 1/2 inch piece Fresh ginger(Peeled and thinly sliced or grated.)
- 2 tsp Granulated sugar(Adjust to your preferred sweetness. Honey or jaggery can be used as alternatives.)
- 1 pinch Optional Spices(Such as a small piece of cinnamon stick, 2-3 whole cloves, or 1-2 black peppercorns.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the spices: Lightly crush the cardamom pods using the flat side of a knife or a mortar and pestle. Peel and thinly slice or grate the ginger. If using optional spices, prepare them as well.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Infuse the water: In a small saucepan, combine the water, crushed cardamom, ginger slices, and any optional spices. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their fragrance and flavor into the water.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Add tea and milk: Add the black tea leaves and sugar to the simmering water. Stir briefly. Immediately pour in the milk. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Watch closely to prevent it from boiling over.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Simmer and develop flavor: Once the chai begins to simmer (small bubbles forming around the edges, but not a vigorous boil), reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the tea to steep and the flavors to meld. The chai should deepen in color to a rich brown.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 5
Strain and serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully strain the masala chai through a fine-mesh sieve into two mugs, ensuring all the tea leaves and spices are caught. Serve immediately while piping hot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Simmer gently: Avoid a rapid boil after adding milk, as this can curdle the milk or result in a less smooth flavor.
- ✓Adjust spices: Feel free to experiment with the quantity and type of spices to suit your personal preference. Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise are popular additions.
- ✓Sweetness control: Taste the chai before straining and adjust the sugar level if needed. You can also add sweetener after straining.
- ✓Tea strength: For a stronger chai, use more tea leaves or simmer for an extra minute. For a milder flavor, use fewer tea leaves or a shorter simmering time.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Spicier Chai: Add a few black peppercorns or a small piece of dried chili to the spice mix.
- Herbal Chai: Incorporate fresh mint leaves or tulsi (holy basil) during the final simmering stage.
- Vegan Chai: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Adjust sweetness as plant-based milks can vary in flavor.