Unbeatable Indian Masala Chai Recipes
The spicy-sweet aroma of Indian masala chai can tantalize your taste buds and send your heart a flutter. Mastering the art of this traditional beverage is essential for any connoisseur of unique drinks. Here are some of the most unbeatable chai recipes out of India:
Traditional Indian Masala Chai
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 1/2 teaspoons black tea, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 cup condensed milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons almond slivers or crushed almonds (optional).
- Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add all of the spices and the black tea.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the condensed milk and honey. Add almonds if desired.
- Simmer for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy!
Mango Masala Chai
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 1/2 teaspoons black tea, 1/4-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and diced, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 3 tablespoons mango puree, 1/4 cup condensed milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons toasted almond slivers or crushed almonds (optional).
- Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the fresh ginger and all of the spices and the black tea.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer and continue to simmer for 4 minutes.
- Stir in the mango puree, condensed milk and honey. Add almonds if desired.
- Simmer for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy!
Star Anise Masala Chai
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 1/2 teaspoons black tea, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground black
pepper, 2 whole star anise, 3 tablespoons condensed milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons slivered almonds or crushed almonds (optional). - Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add all of the spices, the star anise and the black tea.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the condensed milk and honey. Add almonds if desired.
- Simmer for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy!
Indian masala chai is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or post-dinner indulgence. Each of these recipes can be adjusted to your personal preference, allowing you to explore your own unique twist on the classic. So make yourself a cup of chai and enjoy!