Masala Chai – Indian Spiced Tea Recipe
Description:
Masala Chai, an aromatic and flavorful Indian spiced tea, is a timeless beverage that brings comfort and warmth with every sip. Known for its invigorating blend of spices, this tea features a combination of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper, creating a perfect balance of spicy and soothing notes. While there are countless variations of Masala Chai, each family has its own secret recipe, often passed down through generations. This version focuses on using just one spice for a more simplified yet delightful chai experience. Perfect for sipping on a cozy day, it’s sure to relax and refresh your senses with each cup.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 cups |
| Loose leaf tea | 1 tablespoon (Red Label, Lipton, or Assam) |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | To taste |
Preparation & Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
-
Warm the Milk: Start by warming the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Once warmed, set it aside.
-
Spice Infusion: In another saucepan, add 2 cups of water along with the grated ginger, cardamom powder, black pepper powder, and cinnamon powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes so the water can absorb the fragrance and flavor of the spices.
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Add the Tea Leaves: Once the water is flavored with the spices, stir in the loose leaf tea and allow the mixture to come back to a boil. Let it simmer for a minute or so, until the water turns a rich maroon color, indicating that the tea has steeped properly.
-
Brew the Tea: Turn off the heat and cover the saucepan. Allow the tea to steep for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
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Combine Milk and Tea: Stir in the warm milk and give the tea a gentle stir to blend all the ingredients together. This will create a creamy, spicy chai.
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Strain and Serve: Using a fine strainer, pour the chai into individual cups or a teapot, straining out the tea leaves and spices. Add sugar to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.
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Enjoy: Serve your Masala Chai hot, alongside your favorite tea-time snacks, and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Indian beverage.
Tips:
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of ginger, cardamom, or black pepper according to your preference.
- If you like a stronger chai, feel free to let the tea steep for a bit longer before straining it.
- For an extra creamy version, use whole milk or a splash of heavy cream.
Enjoy your homemade Masala Chai – the perfect companion for your tea-time gatherings or simply when you need a moment of relaxation!
