Masala Chai, an iconic Indian beverage, combines black tea with Chai Masala - a mix of aromatic spices, ginger, milk, and sugar. In India, it's affectionately known as 'Masala Tea,' while the Western term 'Chai Tea' is a bit of a redundant since 'chai' means 'tea' in Hindi. This spiced drink is a daily ritual in many Indian homes and a familiar sight at tea stalls and restaurants across the country.
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In my family's recipe, we cherish Masala Chai for its robust and comforting qualities, especially soothing on rainy days. For those who prefer a richer brew, cooking the ingredients exclusively in milk or using a 1:2 water-to-milk ratio will yield a creamier tea.
Ingredients Overview
To create a delightful Masala Chai, you'll need some essential Indian pantry ingredients, all of which are easily found in Indian grocery stores. Let's take a look at what you'll need!
- Black Tea Powder: Choose from a variety of Indian black teas like Assam, Darjeeling, Taj Mahal, or Nilgiris to impart a robust flavor to your tea.
- Spices: This recipe incorporates star anise, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorn for a richly spiced brew.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty flavor to the tea.
- Milk: While full-fat cow's milk provides an authentic flavor, alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used for a vegan-friendly option.
- Brown Sugar: Traditional Masala Tea uses brown or white sugar, but you can substitute with honey, coconut sugar, or other similar sweeteners to suit your preference.
How to Make Masala Chai (Tea)?
Start a flavorful journey with our aromatic and spice-infused Masala Chai recipe, complemented by easy-to-follow photos and a detailed video. Let's embark on this adventure to create the perfect, spiced cup of tea:
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Masala Chai (Masala Tea)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 2 cup Milk
- 2 Cinnamon Stick, small piece
- 1 Star Anise
- 10 Peppercorn
- 3 Cloves
- 3 Cardamom
- 1 tsp Ginger, chopped
- 2 tsp Black Tea Powder
- 3 tsp Brown Sugar
Instructions
To Prepare Chai Masala Powder
- Crush star anise, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom into a coarse powder. For larger batches, see our Chai Masala Powder recipe.
To Prepare Masala Chai
- Start by heating water in a saucepan on medium heat, then stir in the black tea powder.
- Let the tea simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add in the chopped ginger, your homemade masala powder, milk, and sugar. Mix everything well.
- Keep stirring now and then, watching as the chai starts to bubble up.
- Once the chai turns delightfully frothy, take it off the heat.
- Strain it through a fine mesh strainer and your warm, comforting Masala Chai is ready to be savored.
To Serve
- Enjoy this soothing Masala Chai in the morning, alongside breakfast, or as an evening drink paired with your favorite snacks.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- The Art of Brewing: Gently simmer the tea powder and spices in milk until you see a lovely froth - that's when you know it's just right.
- Getting the Mix Right: The secret to a great masala tea lies in the balance of ingredients, so measure them with care.
- Spice It Up: Freshly crushed spices add a burst of flavor, but you can also make a bigger batch to have on hand for next time.
- Rich and Creamy: Prefer your chai thick? Stick to a 1:2 water-to-milk ratio for that perfect texture.
- Sweet Choices: I love using brown sugar for its depth of flavor, but white sugar or honey are lovely options too, depending on your preference.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore our diverse collection of wholesome beverages, featuring everything from cozy teas for chilly days to zesty, health-boosting drinks perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Masala Chai at its best by preparing it with Chai Masala powder and serving it hot and fresh. To capture its authentic essence, it's best not to store and reheat this beverage, as it tends to lose its freshness. For the true Masala Chai experience, I recommend brewing a fresh batch each time, ensuring every sip is as delightful as the last.
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