Masala tea, also known as chai is a a black tea brewed with Indian spices. There are many chai recipes, probably as many as there are people making the chai. The spices used or their amount may vary from recipe to recipe, the brewing method may be different, or the amount of milk or sugar added. One thing these recipes have in common is the fun one derives from preparing this aromatic concoction.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 4-6 whole green cardamom pods, crushed
- 2-3 thin slices fresh ginger
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 anise stars
- 1 cup of milk
- 3-4 teaspoons of loose Darjeeling tea leaves (or any other black tea)
- brown sugar to taste
Method:
Warm water in a saucepan. Add cardamom, ginger, cinnamon stick and star anise and ring the mixture to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant. Add the milk and tea leaves, and simmer for another minute or so. Turn off the heat and let it steep for about two minutes. Pour into pre-warmed cups using strainer or a fine meshed sieve. Discard the tea leaves and spices. Add sugar, to taste. Enjoy in good company!
For a healthier option use honey or stevia extract. Also, try a green tea or a rooibos version. For a vegan version, use organic nut milk.
By Dominique Allmon
For a healthier option use honey or stevia extract. Also, try a green tea or a rooibos version. For a vegan version, use organic nut milk.
By Dominique Allmon