This comforting blend of black tea, milk and spices is one of India’s many culinary delights. Masala Chai is everywhere—served in terracotta cups on the train, at stalls along the colorful streets, and in shops and restaurants throughout the country. Try this, and you’ll never go back to pre-packaged blends again! (Photo credit: Napong/Shutterstock.com)
Masala Chai
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 6 tsp. black tea (loose)
- 6-8 cardamom pods
- 1 stick cinnamon (approximately 2 inches in length, broken into pieces)
- 2 tsp. fresh ginger (grated, or 1 tsp. dried ginger)
- 5 whole peppercorns (black)
- 10 whole cloves
- 5 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (or, to taste)
Instructions
- Bring water to boil in a large saucepan.
- Crush cardamom, peppercorns and cloves with a mortar and pestle. When water is boiling, add crushed spices, ginger and cinnamon stick. Boil for 2 minutes.
- Add loose black tea and boil for one minute. Then, simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
- Add milk and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to a simmer and simmer for 7-8 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Strain through a sieve into a pot or directly into serving cups.