Masala Tea Concentrate
why make this recipe
Masala Tea Concentrate is a flavorful and aromatic drink that warms you up and wakes you up. This recipe combines spices with black tea to create a delicious beverage that is both comforting and energizing. Having a concentrate means you can make a perfect cup of chai quickly and easily. It’s a great way to enjoy homemade masala tea at any time without the hassle of measuring spices every time.
how to make Masala Tea Concentrate
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 10 whole black peppercorns
- 7 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
- 6 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- 1 small piece (about 1 inch) of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of loose black tea or 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
Directions:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and sliced ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse into the water.
- Add the loose black tea or tea bags and let it steep for an additional 10 minutes. If using loose tea, you may want to use a strainer over the saucepan to catch the loose leaves.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The concentrate can be kept for up to two weeks.
- To serve, mix one part Masala Tea Concentrate with one part milk of your choice. Heat the mixture in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Serve immediately.
how to serve Masala Tea Concentrate
To enjoy Masala Tea Concentrate, simply mix equal parts of the concentrate with your favorite milk. This can be dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any milk you prefer. Heat the mixture until it is hot, and then pour it into your favorite cup or mug. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
how to store Masala Tea Concentrate
Store any leftover Masala Tea Concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure to give it a good shake or stir before using it again, as some ingredients may settle.
tips to make Masala Tea Concentrate
- Adjust the sugar to your taste; you can add more or less depending on your preference for sweetness.
- If you want a spicier drink, feel free to increase the amount of ginger or add more spices.
- For a caffeine-free option, use caffeine-free tea bags.
variation
You can experiment with different spices or add other flavors such as vanilla bean, star anise, or even a bit of chocolate to create your own twist on the classic masala tea.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh spices instead of dried ones?
Yes, fresh spices can add a more vibrant flavor. Just remember that fresh spices may have a stronger taste.
2. Is it okay to make this concentrate in larger batches?
Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough pot.
3. Can I freeze the concentrate?
Yes, you can freeze the concentrate in ice cube trays. This way, you can thaw only what you need for a quick masala tea later.
Masala Tea Concentrate
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and sliced ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the water.
- Add the loose black tea or tea bags and let it steep for an additional 10 minutes. Use a strainer over the saucepan to catch loose leaves if using loose tea.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- To serve, mix one part Masala Tea Concentrate with one part milk of your choice. Heat the mixture in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Serve immediately.