How to Make Spiced Chai
A sweet and spicy milk-based tea from India, chai is a tasty alternative to coffee.
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
