How to Make Chai Tea
Chai tea is made up of a mix of spices and black tea that can be brewed to make a hot cup of tea or used as the base for a latte. Chai is a traditional beverage of India and Nepal, but has grown in popularity worldwide. Making chai at home is easy and you can adjust the ingredients to your own tastes.
Ingredients:
- Black Tea: Use black tea leaves or a black tea blend, such as Assam or Darjeeling.
- Spices: The most commonly used spices are cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and ginger, but you can also add nutmeg, fennel and black pepper.
- Milk: Cow’s milk or your alternative of choice, such as almond or coconut milk.
- Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
Instructions:
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add one teaspoon of tea leaves and the spices of your choice.
- Let the mixture boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat and add 1 cup of milk. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard the solids.
- Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Serve hot or over ice.
When making chai at home, it is important to adjust the spices and sweetness to your own personal taste. Experiment and find your favorite combination and enjoy a hot cup of chai tea.
