Instructions

• Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, then add the cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
• TIP: Experiment with other spices, such as black peppercorns and star anise, to discover the flavor you prefer.
• Step 2: Add the tablespoons of black tea to the water. Increase the heat. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for five to eight minutes.
• TIP: Your spiced chai will be stronger if you leave the black tea and spices in the pan for longer than eight minutes.
• Step 3: Stir the whole milk and brown sugar into the tea. Increase the heat to medium and cook for five minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Step 4: Pour the hot tea mixture through a strainer over a hot carafe or bowl to prepare the tea for serving.
• TIP: Leave the tea mixture in the refrigerator for an iced version of spiced chai.
• Step 5: Carefully pour the strained tea into individual cups or mugs for serving. Drink up!
• FACT: In India and Pakistan, spiced chai is called "masala chai" or "masala tea" because "masala" means spices.

You Will Need

• 7 c. Water
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 1 small piece fresh ginger root
• 2 cloves
• A cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp. Loose leaf black tea (such as Darjeeling)
• 1 c. Whole milk
• 6 tbsp. Brown sugar
• A wooden spoon
• A large tea strainer
• And a carafe or large bowl
• Black peppercorns
• And star anise