Welcome to the comforting world of masala chai, a delightful blend of tea and spices that warms both the body and soul.

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, masala chai has a rich history dating back centuries, where it was traditionally enjoyed as a revitalizing beverage with numerous health benefits.

Crafting the perfect masala chai requires a delicate balance of ingredients, each contributing its unique essence to the brew.

From the robust flavor of black tea leaves to the aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, every element plays a vital role in creating the signature taste of masala chai.

Despite its complex flavors, brewing masala chai is surprisingly simple, making it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned tea enthusiasts alike.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate the authentic experience of sipping steaming hot masala chai in the comfort of your own home.

Expert Tip: For a stronger brew, allow the tea leaves and spices to steep for a few extra minutes before adding the milk.

Ingredients

Tea Leaves: Tea leaves form the base of masala chai, imparting a rich and robust flavor to the brew.

Milk: Milk adds creaminess and richness to the masala chai, creating a smooth and indulgent texture.

Green Cardamom: Lightly crushed green cardamom pods infuse the chai with a delightful floral and citrusy aroma.

Cinnamon: A single stick of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of masala chai.

Cloves: Whole cloves contribute a spicy and slightly sweet undertone to the brew, enhancing its complexity.

Ginger: Freshly grated ginger lends a subtle heat and pungency to the masala chai, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Sugar: Sugar is added to taste, providing sweetness and rounding out the flavor profile of the chai.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different types of sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or jaggery for a unique twist on traditional masala chai.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair masala chai with your favorite snacks such as biscuits, cookies, or savory treats like samosas or pakoras for a delightful tea-time experience.
• Serve masala chai alongside breakfast dishes like toast, pancakes, or eggs for a comforting start to the day.
• Enjoy masala chai on its own as a soothing beverage to unwind and relax after a long day.

Expert Tip: Crush the whole spices lightly before adding them to the water to release their essential oils and maximize flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of tea leaves for masala chai?

Yes, you can use your preferred variety of black tea leaves for masala chai, such as Assam, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast.

Can I adjust the spice levels in masala chai?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the quantities of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger as desired.

Is it necessary to use whole spices, or can I use powdered spices instead?

While whole spices provide the best flavor, you can substitute them with ground spices if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of adjusting the quantities accordingly, as ground spices tend to be more potent.

Can I make masala chai without milk?

Yes, you can omit the milk if you prefer a dairy-free version of masala chai. Simply increase the quantity of water and adjust the sweetness to taste.

How long can I store leftover masala chai?

Masala chai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Karak Chai
• Ajwain Tea
• Desi Chai
• Green Tea

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Masala Chai

by Nabeela Kauser

Craving the comfort of a warm cup with a medley of spices? Our Masala Chai is the aromatic journey you need. Infused with traditional spices and black tea, this beverage is perfect for both relaxation and rejuvenation.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Beverage, Drinks

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 2

Calories 110 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 tsp Tea Leaves
• ▢ 500 ml Water
• ▢ 250 ml Milk
• ▢ 4-5 Green Cardamom Lightly crushed
• ▢ 1 inch Cinnamon
• ▢ 4-5 Cloves
• ▢ 1 inch Ginger gG
• ▢ 2-3 tsp Sugar Adjust to taste

Instructions

• In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
• Add the crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and grated ginger to the boiling water.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the spices simmer in the water for about 5 minutes.
• Add the black tea leaves and let them steep in the spiced water for another 2-3 minutes.
• Pour in the milk and add sugar. Stir well.
• Let the chai come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
• Taste the chai and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
• Once the chai reaches your desired flavour, strain it into cups using a fine mesh strainer.
• Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic and flavourful masala chai.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.

Feel free to use whole spices for a more authentic flavour, but ground spices can also be used if whole ones are not available.

You can also experiment with the ratio of milk to water to achieve your preferred level of creaminess.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 64mgPotassium: 261mgFibre: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 211IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 190mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Chai, Masala, Recipe, Tea, Winter

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