Masala Chai Recipe (Indian Spiced Milk Tea)
User Reviews
5
Masala Chai Recipe (Indian Spiced Milk Tea)
Description
The Masala Chai Recipe (Indian Spiced Milk Tea) combines water boiled with a freshly crushed spice blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and fresh ginger. Raw sugar is added to sweeten, followed by Assam black tea, which is boiled to develop strength and flavor. Milk is then introduced to the boiling mixture, resulting in a creamy and fragrant tea. The spices give the tea a distinctive warm and aromatic character, balanced by the robust taste of Assam tea.
The preparation allows flexibility with the tea base; when using tea leaves, the leaves are steeped after boiling the water and spices, whereas tea powder is boiled directly. Milk can be dairy or plant-based alternatives; some, like soy milk, can be boiled with the brew, while others are best added hot after brewing. The final tea is strained into cups, ready to be served warm.
Masala Chai is traditionally enjoyed with Indian snacks or biscuits, making it a customary accompaniment in many households. Adjusting the sugar and spice levels according to personal preference ensures the ideal balance of sweetness and spice intensity.
To modify the recipe for vegan diets, substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives. Roasting or omitting spices can be done according to taste or health considerations. Steeping times with tea leaves vary between 2 to 4 minutes to control strength.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 4 teaspoons raw sugar or add as per taste
- 2 teaspoons black tea - granules or tea leaves, preferably Assam CTC tea
- ¼ cup milk or add as per taste
Spices (Masala)
- 1 inch cinnamon - true cinnamon and not cassia cinnamon
- 2 to 3 green cardamom
- 2 cloves
- 1 inch ginger
Instructions
- Take cinnamon, green cardamoms, cloves and peeled ginger in a mortar-pestle.
- Crush coarsely and set aside.
- In a sauce pan or a small pan with a handle, heat water.
- Let the water come to a boil and then add the crushed spices.
- Boil the spices along with the water for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add sugar as per taste. I usually add 4 teaspoons of raw sugar. You can add more or less.
- Now add 2 teaspoons of assam tea powder. Boil for a minute. This boiling time depends on how strong you want your tea. If you prefer a strong intense tea, then boil for a few more minutes.
- Add milk. After adding milk boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- If using chilled milk, then boil with tea for 2 to 3 minutes. If using hot milk, then add the milk and switch off the heat.
- Pour the tea through a tea strainer directly in the cup.
- Serve Masala Chai hot with some Indian snacks or cookies or biscuits.
Notes
- For tea leaves, boil water with spices first, then steep tea leaves off the heat for 2-4 minutes before adding hot milk.
- Adjust sugar and spice amounts based on taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Use organic Assam tea leaves or powder for a preferred flavor.
- For vegan versions, substitute dairy milk with soy, cashew, oat, or almond milk, adjusting how they are added accordingly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 59 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 59kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 26mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 75mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 51IU | 1% |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 1mg | |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 1mg | |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 1mg | |
| Vitamin B12 | 1µg | 42% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 1µg | 5% |
| Vitamin E | 1mg | |
| Vitamin K | 1µg | |
| Calcium | 57mg | 6% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 2µg | |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 12mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 30mg | |
| Zinc | 1mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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