In most Indian homes, mornings are incomplete without hot beverages like chai or coffee. It is consumed along with breakfast or evening snacks. This beverage is now popular worldwide, similar to mango lassi, and served in most Indian Restaurants in the USA. I am a huge Chai lover, and I cannot kick-start my day without sipping a hot cup of chai made by my husband. He makes the World’s best masala chai and adrak wali chai (ginger tea). Every Indian family has their own unique blend of spices they prefer in masala chai. It’s never the same across households.
What is Masala Chai?
Masala chai (or Spiced Chai), also known as Chaa in some regions, is a popular Indian hot beverage made by brewing black tea leaves with water, milk, and a blend of aromatic spices. In India, Masala means “spice”, and chai means “tea”. Therefore, masala chai means tea infused with spices. Here in the States, it is often known as “chai tea” or “chai tea latte”. Most popular coffee chains, Starbucks or Peets in the USA, have chai latte on their menu, but it doesn’t taste like authentic Indian masala tea with milk. You can make masala tea by either crushing whole spices in a mortar and pestle, or by using pre-made chai masala powder. If you drink tea regularly, then you can prepare a small batch of chai masala powder at home and store it in an airtight container. It is so much easier and more convenient to make the chai. You can add ¼-1/2 teaspoon of chai masala for every cup of tea you make, depending on your preference. Other popular tea types include ginger tea (adrak ka chai), mint tea (pudina chai), lemongrass tea, and holy basil tea (tulsi tea). It is generally prepared with dairy milk. Use plant-based milk like soy milk, almond milk, or oats milk to make vegan masala tea.
What Are the Health Benefits of Masala Tea?
Masala Chai has many health benefits, provided you drink it in moderation.
Reduces Inflammation Boosts Immunity Aids Digestion Contains Antioxidants Increases Your Energy Levels - Source golden tips tea
Homemade Masala Chai Ingredients
You will need four main ingredients to make Authentic Indian Masala Chai (Cha).
How to Make Indian Masala Chai at Home
Crush The Spices (Masala)
Add cinnamon, green cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns to a mortar pestle, and gently pound the spices. This helps to release the flavors.
Boil the Water with Spices
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat and add crushed spices (or homemade chai masala powder). Grate ½ inch piece of ginger directly into the pot of water. Boil for 2-3 minutes, or till the water color changes to mild yellowish color. This way, you will get all of the flavors from the ginger and spices.
Add Tea Leaves and Sugar
Then add the loose black tea leaves (or tea bags) and sugar (optional) to the water. Let the tea continue to boil for another 1-2 minutes till it is a really dark red hue, but ensure not to over-boil; otherwise, the tea will be bitter.
Add Milk and Boil the Chai
Add the milk and bring the tea to a rolling boil, and then simmer on lower heat for another 5 minutes till the tea turns dark. Simmering helps the tea to thicken and develop flavor. Again, raise the heat to high and bring it to a rolling boil. When the chai is done, there is a layer of milk cream on the top. Turn off the stove at this stage. Note: You can simmer it for longer until it reaches the desired consistency and color you prefer in your tea.
Strain and Serve
Pour the tea through a tea strainer (fine mesh sieve) directly into cups or teapots. Drink hot!
Variations
You can prepare masala tea with fresh mint leaves, holy basil (tulsi), or dried rose petals for a variation. It also goes great with any Indian snacks like samosa, onion bajji, poha chivda, bread toast, or cookies for your evening tea. ★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes.
