Homemade Chai Recipe

Indian Chai, or masala chai, is a flavorful and aromatic spiced tea that has become a beloved beverage around the world. Here's a detailed recipe and instructions for making a delightful cup of Indian Chai at home:

Ingredients:

•  2 cups water
•  1 cup whole milk
•  2-3 teaspoons loose black tea leaves or 2-3 tea bags
•  2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
•  1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
•  3-4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
•  3-4 whole cloves
•  1-2 cinnamon sticks
•  1-2 black peppercorns
•  Optional: a pinch of fennel seeds for an extra layer of flavor

Instructions:

•   Prepare the Spices:
•   Gather the spices – cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Crush the cardamom pods lightly to release their flavor.
•   Boil Water and Spices:
•   In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
•   Add the crushed cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, grated ginger, and optional fennel seeds to the boiling water.
•   Add Tea Leaves:
•   Once the water and spices have simmered for about 2-3 minutes, add the loose black tea leaves or tea bags to the pot.
•   Simmer and Add Milk:
•   Allow the tea to simmer on medium heat for another 3-5 minutes. This helps the flavors to infuse.
•   Add the milk to the pot. Adjust the heat to ensure the mixture doesn’t boil over.
•   Sweeten Your Chai:
•   Add sugar to the chai according to your taste preferences. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
•   Strain and Serve:
•   Once the tea has simmered and the flavors have melded, strain the chai into cups using a fine mesh strainer or a tea infuser.
•   Serve the chai hot, savoring the rich aroma and warm, spiced flavor.
•   Optional: Customize Your Chai:
•   Feel free to experiment with the spice quantities to suit your taste. Some enjoy a stronger ginger or cardamom flavor, so adjust accordingly.
•   You can also try different types of tea leaves, such as Assam or Darjeeling, for unique variations.
•   Enjoy with Snacks:
•   Indian chai pairs wonderfully with snacks like biscuits, pakoras, or samosas. The combination of the spiced tea and savory snacks creates a delightful culinary experience.

Making Indian Chai at home allows you to customize the spice blend and sweetness to your liking, creating a comforting and personalized beverage. Enjoy your cup of homemade masala chai!