Tea masala recipe

Masala Chai (spiced tea) is a delicious, fragrant, and warming Indian beverage made by brewing black tea with a combination of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It’s a comforting drink that’s perfect for cold mornings or a cozy afternoon.

Here’s a simple Masala Tea (Chai Masala) recipe:

Masala Chai (Spiced Tea) Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Masala Chai Spice Mix (Chai Masala):

• 4-5 green cardamom pods (crushed)

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks (broken into pieces)

• 4-5 cloves

• 1-2 black peppercorns (optional, for a little heat)

• 1 small piece of fresh ginger (about 1-inch, grated or thinly sliced)

• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, for sweetness)

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a warm touch)

• 1 teaspoon dried rose petals (optional, for fragrance)

For the Tea:

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup milk (or your choice of plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)

• 2 teaspoons black tea leaves (Assam or Darjeeling tea works well) or 2 tea bags

• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (or honey, jaggery, or any sweetener of your choice, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Masala Spice Mix:

   • If you don’t have a pre-made masala chai spice mix, you can make your own. In a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, crush the cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns, and any other spices you’re using (like fennel or nutmeg).

   • Grate or slice the fresh ginger and set it aside.

2. Boil Water and Spices:

   • In a small pot, add 2 cups of water and the freshly ground masala chai spice mix along with the grated ginger.

   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. The longer it simmers, the stronger the spice flavor will be.

3. Add Tea Leaves:

   • Add 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags) to the simmering water and spice mixture.

   • Let the tea steep for another 2-3 minutes. For a stronger flavor, you can let it steep a little longer.

4. Add Milk and Sweetener:

   • Add 1 cup of milk (or your plant-based milk) to the tea and spice mixture. Stir well.

   • Add your sweetener of choice (sugar, honey, or jaggery) and stir until it’s dissolved. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

   • Bring the mixture back to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Strain and Serve:

   • Once the chai is ready, strain it into cups using a fine mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves and spices.

   • Serve the masala chai hot, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few extra cardamom pods, if desired.

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Tips:

• Adjusting the spices: The beauty of masala chai is that you can adjust the spices according to your personal preference. If you love ginger, add more of it! If you like a more aromatic chai, increase the cardamom or cinnamon.

• Sweeteners: Jaggery is often used in Indian households for its rich, caramel-like sweetness. If you prefer a more traditional flavor, you can substitute sugar with jaggery.

• Spices to omit or add: If you’re not a fan of cloves or black pepper, you can skip them. You can also add star anise or vanilla beans for a unique twist.

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Serving Suggestions:

Masala chai is often served with biscuits or snacks like samosas, pakoras, or toast. It’s great for a casual tea-time gathering or just to sip and relax.

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This Masala Chai is perfect for a warm, comforting drink anytime you need a pick-me-up. It’s a great way to add a little spice to your day! Let me know if you’d like to tweak the recipe or need more tips!