Masala Chai is a staple in every Indian home, and every family has their unique recipe that has been passed down through generations. The secret to making the perfect cup of Indian Chai lies in the ingredients and the way it is brewed.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 3-4 green cardamom pods
- 1/2 fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- sugar or honey to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Add the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and grated ginger to a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the spices simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the water with their flavors and aromas.
3. Add the black tea bags or loose tea leaves to the saucepan and let them steep for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the milk to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Once the chai is simmering, turn off the heat and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Strain the chai through a fine-mesh strainer into a teapot or individual mugs.
7. Sweeten the chai with sugar or honey to taste.
8. Serve the chai hot and enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the amount of spices and milk to suit your taste preferences. Some recipes call for additional spices like star anise, fennel seeds, or black peppercorns, so feel free to experiment with different blends to find your own perfect chai recipe.
