Spiced Masala Chai

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Spiced Masala Chai is more than just a drink; it's an aromatic experience that warms your soul. Perfect for those chilly mornings or when you need a comforting pick-me-up, this chai combines traditional spices with a rich, creamy base.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, ready in under 15 minutes.
  • A perfect balance of spices that can be adjusted to your taste.
  • Rich, creamy texture without needing any fancy equipment.
  • Customizable sweetness level, so you control the sugar.

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 cups whole milk
2 tbsp black tea leaves
1 inch ginger, sliced
5 cardamom pods
4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 tbsp sugar (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Once boiling, add the sliced ginger, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the spices to infuse for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell amazing — that’s when you know the spices are doing their thing.

Next, toss in the black tea leaves and let them simmer for another 3 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the tea to mingle with the spices, creating that signature masala chai flavor.

Now, pour in the 2 cups of whole milk and turn up the heat to bring everything back to a boil. Keep a close eye on the pot because milk can boil over quickly — a watched pot never boils over, they say!

At this point, add sugar to taste, if you like. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. You can adjust the sweetness later if needed.

Finally, strain the chai into cups to catch the spices and tea leaves. Serve it hot and enjoy the warm, spiced goodness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a stronger spice flavor, crush the spices slightly before adding them to the water.
  • If you prefer a richer chai, use a higher milk-to-water ratio.
  • Leftover chai can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced Masala Chai pairs beautifully with buttery scones or savory snacks like samosas. For a simple indulgence, try it with a slice of lightly buttered toast or a few biscuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes! Almond or oat milk works well, but expect a slight change in flavor and texture.
How can I make it less sweet?
Simply reduce or omit the sugar. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaves?
Yes, you can use two black tea bags as an alternative to loose leaves.

Ingredients Explained

The magic of Masala Chai lies in its ingredients, each bringing a unique flavor to the mix. Water provides the base, while whole milk adds richness. Black tea leaves offer a robust, earthy tea flavor. Ginger adds a spicy kick, and cardamom pods contribute a sweet, floral note. Cloves bring warmth, and a cinnamon stick adds subtle sweetness. Finally, sugar is optional, letting you adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add ginger, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the boiling water. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to release the flavors of the spices.
3. Add the black tea leaves to the pot and simmer for another 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the milk, increase the heat, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
5. Add sugar to taste, if desired, and stir until dissolved.
6. Strain the chai into cups and serve hot.

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