Indian Masala Chai Recipe (Spiced Milk Tea)
User Reviews
4.9
Indian Masala Chai Recipe (Spiced Milk Tea)
Description
Indian Masala Chai involves simmering water infused with a spice blend made from green cardamom, cloves, cassia cinnamon, and black peppercorns, combined with freshly grated ginger. Tea leaves are steeped briefly in the boiling spiced water before milk is added and brought to a boil again, creating a rich, milky tea with spice nuances throughout. Sugar is added to taste, either during boiling or at serving.
The fresh ginger adds a bright, warming bite, while the blend of spices provides complexity and aroma without overpowering the tea's natural flavor. Careful attention ensures the tea leaves don't boil too long, preserving the desired strength without bitterness. The chai is strained before serving into cups.
This tea serves as a comforting beverage typically consumed in the morning or during breaks, appreciated for its soothing qualities and fragrant spices. Adjusting the water-to-milk ratio allows customization of creaminess and strength. Preparing or purchasing a chai masala blend can simplify the process.
Additional tips include crushing spices freshly for maximum flavor, adding ginger before milk to avoid curdling, and gently stirring while boiling to prevent overflow.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup milk Whole milk or 2%, add or reduce to taste
- 1 inch ginger freshly grated (about 3oz)
- 3 teaspoon tea leaves
- 2 teaspoon sugar adjust to taste
Chai masala spices (can be replaced with 1/2 tsp prepared Chai Masala)
- 2 green cardamom aka Elaichi
- 2 cloves aka Laung
- 1/2 inch cassia cinnamon aka Dalchini
- 8 black peppercorns
Instructions
- Heat water in a pot on medium-high heat.
- While water is heating, crush spices using a mortar and pestle or a coffee/spice grinder. Add the crushed spices to the water. (The spices can be replaced with 1/2 tsp of prepared Chai Masala)
- Grate the ginger directly into the pot of water. Reduce heat to medium and bring the water to a boil.
- Add the tea leaves and let it boil for a minute. You can also add sugar at this time or add it in the cup when serving.
- Add milk and stir it in.
- Bring the tea to a boil. The tea can overflow easily, so keep a close eye.
- Once the tea comes to a boil. Turn off the gas and cover with a lid for one minute.
- Strain the tea in a cup and enjoy!
Notes
- Water to milk ratio affects creaminess; adjust to personal taste for richer or stronger chai.
- Crush spices freshly for better aroma; pre-made masala blends can be used as a substitute.
- Add fresh ginger to water before milk to prevent curdling.
- Avoid boiling tea leaves for too long; one minute is sufficient to prevent bitterness.
- Carefully stir or move the pot during boiling to prevent overflow.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 77 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 77kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 45mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 130mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 130IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 100mg | 10% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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