Spiced Cardamom Chai: Aromatic Indian Tea Recipe

Chai (Indian Tea) Recipe

Overview

Chai, the beloved Indian spiced tea, is a soul-warming beverage cherished for its aromatic spices and comforting flavors. This recipe offers a personalized twist on the traditional preparation, incorporating the warmth of cardamom along with other classic spices, promising to elevate your tea-drinking experience.

Recipe Details

• Name: Chai (Indian Tea)
• Category: Beverages
• Keywords: Asian, Indian, Spicy, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
• Rating: 5 (based on 6 reviews)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: 82.9
• Nutritional Information per Serving:
  • Fat: 4.6g
    • Saturated Fat: 2.8g
  • Cholesterol: 17.1mg
  • Sodium: 64.8mg
  • Carbohydrates: 6.7g
    • Fiber: 0.5g
    • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 4.2g

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• Sugar (to taste)
• 6 green peppercorns
• 8 cloves
• 6 cardamom pods
• 6 cardamom powder (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 anise seed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spiced Water:

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   • In a medium-sized pan, heat 4 cups of water over medium-high heat.

2. Infuse with Spices:

   • Once the water begins to simmer, add sugar (to taste), green peppercorns, cloves, cardamom pods (lightly crushed), cinnamon stick, and anise seed.

3. Boil and Reduce:

   • Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it boil gently for about 5 minutes. This process extracts the essential oils and flavors from the spices.

4. Add Tea and Milk:

   • Pour in 2 cups of milk and stir well. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil again.

5. Simmer to Infuse Flavors:

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chai simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure all flavors meld together beautifully.

6. Strain and Serve:

   • After simmering, remove the chai from heat. Using a fine-mesh sieve or tea strainer, strain the chai into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves.

7. Enjoy Your Chai:

   • Serve hot and savor the rich, aromatic flavors of this homemade chai. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder on top for an extra burst of fragrance.

Tips for the Perfect Chai:

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your chai before straining and adjust the sugar accordingly to suit your preference.
• Spice Intensity: If you prefer a spicier chai, you can crush the spices more or add an extra cardamom pod or two.
• Consistency: Keep an eye on the chai while simmering to prevent it from boiling over. Stirring occasionally helps blend the flavors evenly.

Conclusion

This chai recipe combines the classic Indian tea flavors with a personal touch of cardamom, creating a brew that’s both soothing and invigorating. Perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or evenings spent relaxing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of homemade beverages. Embrace the aromatic journey of chai-making and indulge in the warmth it brings with every sip.