Indian Masala Chai recipe

Masala Chai is a comforting and aromatic spiced tea that’s beloved across India. It’s typically made with strong black tea, milk, sugar, and a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Here’s a simple recipe for making authentic Masala Chai at home:

Ingredients for Masala Chai

• 1 cups water
• 2 cup milk (adjust based on your preference for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoons loose black tea leaves (or 1 tea bags)
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 small cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-2 slices of fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1-2 black peppercorns (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste) (optional, you can adjust or leave out sugar if preferred)

Instructions:

1. Boil the water with spices:
   • In a saucepan, add the water and the crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns (if using).
   • Add the ginger slices or ground ginger to the pan.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to release the flavors of the spices.
2. Add tea leaves:
   • Add the loose black tea leaves or tea bags to the saucepan. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The tea will start to turn darker and become more aromatic.
3. Add milk:
   • Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil again. Stir occasionally. You can adjust the amount of milk based on how strong or creamy you like your chai.
4. Sweeten the chai:
   • Add sugar to taste. You can also use jaggery, honey, or leave it unsweetened if you prefer. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
5. Simmer:
   • Once the chai starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This will allow the milk to blend with the spices and tea, creating a rich and flavorful chai.
6. Strain and serve:
   • Strain the chai into cups using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the tea leaves and spices.
   • Serve hot with a small snack like biscuits, pakoras, or samosas.

Try masala chai with samosa

Tips:

• Spices: The spice mix can be adjusted based on your preferences. You can add a pinch of nutmeg, a few saffron strands, or even some fennel seeds for a unique twist.
• Tea: Strong black tea like Assam or Darjeeling works best. If you don’t have loose tea leaves, tea bags can also work.
• Sweeteners: Adjust the sugar or use alternatives like honey or stevia, depending on your taste.
• Milk: Full-fat milk creates a creamier chai, but you can use skim milk or plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) for a lighter option.

Enjoy your warm and comforting Masala Chai—it’s perfect for cozy mornings or evening relaxation!

After try this recipe , please let me know your thoughts in the comment section.