Masala chai
Black tea simmered with milk, sugar and warming spices such as cardamom, ginger and cloves. It is aromatic, sweet and the national drink of India.
Chai In Sakora: Dadhichbittu007, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
Chai is brewed in homes and at roadside stalls across India, where chai wallahs serve it in small cups all day. Each household has its own spice mix.
Explore the cuisine of India.
Recipe
Make Masala chai at home
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp loose black tea (Assam)
- 3 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, crushed
- 2 cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 3-4 black peppercorns
- 2-3 tsp sugar, to taste
How it's made
- Bring the water, ginger and spices to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Simmer 3 to 4 minutes so the spices release their flavor.
- Add the tea leaves and simmer 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and sugar.
- Bring to a boil and let rise; reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes.
- Strain into cups.
- Serve hot.
Variations
- Kashmiri kahwa-style with saffron and almonds.
- Iced masala chai.
- Ginger-only adrak chai.
Cook’s tip: Use strong Assam tea and simmer the spices before adding the milk.
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About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Chai In Sakora: Dadhichbittu007, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)