Servings
Font
Back
0 from 6 votes

Authentic Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)

A popular South Asian beverage that's perfect for cozying up with in winter! Aromatic black tea is brewed with milk, whole spices, and fresh ginger, creating a rich, warm, and punchy flavor.

Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
3 mins
Additional Time
2 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 103 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Indian , Pakistani

Ingredients

  • 6 green cardamom
  • 2-3 black peppercorns
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 (2 ½ cm / 1” ) cinnamon stick ceylon or cassia
  • a pinch nutmeg freshly grated (optional)
  • 1 ¼ cm (~½ ”) knob of ginger sliced
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 teaspoon loose black tea see note 1
  • 1 teaspoon jaggery (gur) see note 2

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the green cardamom, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, and cloves to prepare the chai masala.
  2. In a heat-safe kettle or saucepan, add water, the prepared chai masala, ginger, loose tea leaves, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Add milk and jaggery to the mixture, stirring well. Bring to a boil, keeping the pot uncovered to prevent spills, then remove from heat. Repeat the boil-and-remove process two more times, then reduce to low heat and let simmer for an additional 6-8 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat, cover, and let the chai rest for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Strain the masala chai through a sieve into cups. Adjust sweetness to taste if needed, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Loose black tea provides the best flavor; refer to my tea recommendations for preferred brands. If using black tea bags, add 4-5 to compensate for their milder strength.
  • If you don’t have or don’t prefer jaggery (gur), you can substitute with brown or white sugar. The quantity in the recipe offers balanced sweetness, but feel free to adjust it to taste.
  • If your masala chai lacks color, you can add more loose tea or tea bags or let it simmer a bit longer to enhance the depth and richness.
  • Loose black tea provides the best flavor; refer to my tea recommendations for preferred brands. If using black tea bags, add 4-5 to compensate for their milder strength.
  • If you don’t have or don’t prefer jaggery (gur), you can substitute with brown or white sugar. The quantity in the recipe offers balanced sweetness, but feel free to adjust it to taste.
  • If your masala chai lacks color, you can add more loose tea or tea bags or let it simmer a bit longer to enhance the depth and richness.

Nutrition Information

Calories 103kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 15mg (5%) Sodium 60mg (3%) Potassium 259mg (7%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 200IU (4%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 188mg (19%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 103

% Daily Value*

Calories 103kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 60mg 3%
Potassium 259mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 200IU 4%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 188mg 19%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.