Recipe for Indian Masala Chai

Masala Chai is a popular spiced tea from India that combines black tea, milk, aromatic spices, and sweeteners. While there are variations in the specific ingredients and proportions used, here is a basic recipe for making 2 cups of Indian Masala Chai:

Ingredients for Masala Chai:

• 1 cups water
• 1 cups milk (you can adjust the ratio of water to milk based on your preference)
• 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves or 2 tea bags
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions for preparing Masala Chai:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and grated ginger to the boiling water. Let it simmer covered for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavours.
3. Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the spiced water. Let it simmer covered for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the milk to the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to let it boil over.
5. Stir occasionally and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the tea to brew.
6. Add sugar to taste and stir until it dissolves. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
7. Strain the prepared chai into cups or a teapot to remove the tea leaves and spices.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: The recipe can be customised to suit individual preferences. Some variations include adding fennel seeds, carom seeds, crushed peppercorns, star anise, or nutmeg for additional flavour. You can also adjust the strength of the tea by adding more or fewer tea leaves. Likewise, you can vary the proportions of spices and sweeteners to suit your taste.

Remember that the beauty of Masala Chai lies in its adaptability, so feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe according to your liking. it is said that no two people can make the exact same taste of tea as there are minor variations in everyones spices, their quantities and time given to each stage.

Difference in Indian Chai and Masala Chai:

Normally Masala Chai is referred to as Indian chai, but in reality the Indian Chai is a simpler version. Indian Chai is made with just four ingredients Water, Milk, Tea leaves and Sugar. Method of preparation is very simple. You just add tea leaves to boiling water and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding milk and sugar. Let a boil come to the mixture and your ‘Chai’ is ready to sieve and serve.