Masala chai literally means “tea with a blend of spices” in Hindi. The process involves brewing spices with tea and sugar, then boiling and straining the mixture. Typically, people in India use black teas from Assam or Ceylon for this beverage.
Ingredients: 200 ml milk, 100 ml water, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon black tea, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger, a pinch of cardamom seeds or powder, 1-2 whole cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or a stick).
Preparation
This masala tea recipe doesn’t require a full boil. Put a pot with the milk and water over low heat. Toast the spices in a dry skillet for 20 seconds to release their aroma.
Combine the spices and tea with the slightly warmed milk and water. Simmer on low heat for 2 minutes.
Allow the spices to “sweat,” but don’t bring the mixture to a boil—remove it from the heat before it starts to boil. Preheat the cups with boiling water, then pour the masala tea through a strainer into the cups.
Life Hack
A simpler way to prepare masala chai is to bring milk, water, loose tea, sugar, and spices to a boil, then strain out the solids before serving. Masala chai recipes can vary: some bring the pre-mixed ingredients to a boil, strain immediately, and serve; others simmer the ingredients on low heat before straining; some boil only the tea leaves and add spices at the end, or do the opposite.
Photo: Openverse
