How to Make Authentic Indian Masala Chai
Masala chai is a popular, fragrant, and spiced Indian tea that is enjoyed around the world. This warm and soothing beverage is enjoyed as an after-dinner tea as well as a traditional breakfast beverage. Whilst there is no one traditional recipe for masala chai, there are a few basic ingredients that will help you make a delicious, authentic cup of masala chai.
Ingredients:
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- 3-4 whole cloves
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- 2 green cardamom pods
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- 2 – 3 one-inch pieces of cinnamon
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- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
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- 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves or 2 tea bags
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- 2 cups of water
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- 1 cup of milk
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- 1 – 2 teaspoon of honey or sugar, to taste
Instructions:
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- Grind the Spices: To make a delicious masala chai, you’ll need to grind the spices. Place the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and black peppercorns in a mortar and pestle, or spice grinder, and grind them together until they are a coarse powder.
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- Steep the Tea: Heat the water in a saucepan until it starts to boil. Once it’s boiling, add the ground spices and stir. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then add the tea leaves or teabags and stir until the tea is infused with the spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, then add in the milk and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for a few minutes, then remove from the heat.
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- Sweeten to Taste: Add sugar or honey to the chai, to taste. Stir in until it’s completely dissolved.
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- Serve: Strain the chai into individual cups and serve warm. Enjoy your cup of masala chai!
Masala chai is an easy drink to make and can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a stronger cup of tea, use more tea leaves or steep the tea for longer. Similarly, if you like a lighter cup, use less tea and steep it for less time. Enjoy your cup of authentic Indian masala chai!
