Masala Chai ~ Black tea infused with milk, spices, and sugar

The sweet aroma and flavors of masala chai are heartwarming and comforting. This post features Masala chai with its roots originating in India. Chai is such an important part of Indian culture and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. If you have been to India or plan to travel there, you will notice that chai (may also be referred to as cha or chaya) can be found anywhere you look from restaurants and cafes to street vendors and food carts. It is served piping hot and can be enjoyed alone or with tasty traditional snacks or sweets. 

There are several ways to make chai and this is one of my favorite ones!

Recipe yields 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Black loose leaf tea

1.5 cups water

1.5 cups milk (I use 2%, but feel free to use milk of your preference)

3 Cardamom pods

Ginger root 

Sugar

Mortar and pestle

Saucepan

Strainer

Directions:

• In a mortar and pestle, place about 3 pods of cardamom and grind until fairly coarse. 
• To add more spices, you may add a hint of clove, black pepper, or star anise. But since the flavors are very strong, I would suggest using only one petal of one star anise and about 1 clove or pinch of black pepper for 2 servings.
• Cut about a 1/4 inch width coin sized piece of ginger, peeled and add to mortar and coarsely grind. 
• Fill saucepan with 1.5 cups water and place over medium heat on stove. 
• Add 1.5 cups of milk to the sauce pan and continue to stir as the water-milk mixture beings to simmer. 
• Add the ginger-cardamom mixture to the milk and let it gently boil to let the flavors infuse. Keep stirring to avoid milk from sticking. 
• Next, add about 1 tablespoon of black loose leaf tea. Use less for lighter tea. 
• Let the mixture come to a boil and then immediately lower the heat to a simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and cover for 3 mins.
• Strain into cups.
• Sweeten to your preference, I usually put 1 tsp of sugar per cup.

Enjoy!! 

Please check out my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualmedley/

Check out my latest video on Youtube:  youtu.be/cjrmb6Ori8k

Thank you for stopping by!! Please share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas!  - VM