Imagine a warm, aromatic drink that can transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai with just one sip. Masala Chai isn't just a tea; it's a sensory experience that awakens your taste buds and warms your soul. This centuries-old Indian spiced milk tea is more than a beverage—it's a cultural celebration packed with exotic spices, rich flavors, and a comforting embrace that promises to revolutionize your tea-drinking experience. Get ready to discover the secret recipe that has been delighting millions and will soon become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of water, 2 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 green cardamom pods, 4 cloves, 1-inch piece of grated ginger, and sugar to taste.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in 2 cups of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a gentle boil.
- While the water is heating, prepare your spices. Lightly crush the green cardamom pods and cloves using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release their flavors.
- Once the water reaches a boil, add the crushed cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and grated ginger to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors into the water.
- After 5 minutes, add 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves to the saucepan. Stir well and continue to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea.
- Once the tea has steeped to your liking, pour in 2 cups of milk. Stir to combine, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil again.
- As the chai begins to boil, watch it carefully to prevent it from overflowing. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a teapot or large bowl to remove the tea leaves and spices.
- Sweeten the masala chai with sugar to taste, stirring well to ensure it dissolves completely.
- Serve the hot masala chai in cups, enjoying it plain or with your favorite snacks or biscuits.
Tips
- Spice Selection Matters: Use fresh, whole spices for the most vibrant flavor. Crushing them slightly before brewing helps release their essential oils.
- Tea Leaf Quality: Choose high-quality black tea leaves like Assam or Ceylon for the best results.
- Milk Temperature: Use whole milk for a creamier texture, and be careful not to let it boil over.
- Steeping Time: Adjust steeping time based on your preference for tea strength. Longer steeping means more intense flavor.
- Sweetener Options: While sugar is traditional, you can experiment with honey, jaggery, or alternative sweeteners.
- Strain Thoroughly: Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, spice-free drinking experience.
- Serve Immediately: Masala Chai is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after brewing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
