Masala Chai is a spiced Indian tea made with a blend of aromatic spices, black tea, milk, and sweetener. This warm, comforting drink is perfect for chilly days or as a soothing treat. You can easily adjust the spices and sweetness to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 2 black tea bags (Assam tea works well)
- 2-3 teaspoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Spices:
- 3-4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2 cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 4-6 black peppercorns
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced or grated
- 1 star anise (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil the water and spices:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, ginger, and star anise (if using). Lower the heat and let the spices simmer for 3-4 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add the tea:
- Add the loose black tea or tea bags to the spiced water. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tea to steep and blend with the spices.
- Add the milk and sweetener:
- Stir in the milk and sugar (or honey) to the tea. Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the chai will be.
- Strain and serve:
- Remove the pan from heat and strain the Masala Chai into cups using a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer. Discard the spices and tea leaves.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Masala Chai hot, and adjust the sweetness to your taste if needed. You can enjoy it with biscuits or snacks for a cozy treat.
This Masala Chai is warm, fragrant, and packed with flavor—perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a comforting drink at any time of day!
