Easy Masala Chai (Spiced Indian Tea) Recipe
Why Make This Recipe
Masala Chai, or spiced Indian tea, is a wonderful beverage that warms the heart and soothes the soul. This Easy Masala Chai recipe offers a delightful blend of spices, tea, and creamy milk. Making your own chai allows you to customize the flavor to your liking and enjoy a fresh, aromatic experience in every sip. Brimming with spices that have health benefits, this drink is not just tasty but also comforting.
How to Make Easy Masala Chai
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (532 ml) filtered water
- 1 3-inch cinnamon stick (ceylon or cassia)
- 3 whole cloves
- 4 green cardamom pods, cracked open and deseeded (pods and seeds included)
- 3 black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1/2-inch (~4 g) fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 black tea bags or 3 tsp loose leaf black tea (depending on brand strength)
- 1 cup (8 oz) whole milk or 2% reduced-fat milk
- 4 tsp (20 g) turbinado cane sugar or raw cane sugar
Directions:
- Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the water, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cracked cardamom pods, black peppercorns, fennel seeds if using, and sliced ginger to the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil to infuse the spices into the water.
- Once boiling, add the black tea bags or loose leaf tea. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong and aromatic you prefer your chai. The liquid will take on a deep burgundy color and reduce slightly.
- Stir in the milk and cane sugar. Increase the heat to high or allow the milk to come to a natural boil. Reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer gently for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the chai.
- Raise the heat to high and bring the chai to a rolling boil for 1 to 2 minutes, adjusting time to how cooked you prefer the milk. Optionally, use a ladle to aerate the chai by pouring it back into the pan from a height; this enhances creaminess and flavor depth.
- Pour the chai through a fine strainer into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves or bags. Add more sweetener if desired and serve hot.
How to Serve Easy Masala Chai
Serve your Easy Masala Chai in a warm cup. You can enjoy it as it is or pair it with snacks like biscuits or pastries. It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Store Easy Masala Chai
If you have leftovers, let the chai cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well before serving.
Tips to Make Easy Masala Chai
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more black pepper or ginger.
- Use fresh spices for a stronger flavor.
- For a vegan option, substitute dairy milk with almond milk or oat milk.
- If you like your chai extra sweet, feel free to add more sugar to your liking.
Variation
You can try different combinations of spices, such as adding star anise or nutmeg for a unique flavor twist. Additionally, switch out black tea for green tea for a lighter version of masala chai.
FAQs
1. Can I make masala chai with tea leaves instead of tea bags?
Yes, you can use loose leaf black tea instead of tea bags. Just use a fine strainer to remove the leaves before serving.
2. How can I make masala chai less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can also omit it entirely or substitute with a natural sweetener.
3. Is it necessary to use all the spices?
No, you can customize which spices you want to include based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a simpler flavor, use just a few key spices.
Easy Masala Chai
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the water, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cracked cardamom pods, black peppercorns, fennel seeds if using, and sliced ginger to the pan.
- Bring this mixture to a boil to infuse the spices into the water.
- Once boiling, add the black tea bags or loose leaf tea. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Stir in the milk and cane sugar. Increase heat to high or allow the milk to come to a natural boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer gently for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Raise heat to high and bring the chai to a rolling boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Optionally, aerate the chai by pouring it back into the pan from a height.
- Pour the chai through a fine strainer into cups to remove spices and tea leaves or bags. Add more sweetener if desired and serve hot.