It’s Chai Time. But What Kind?
why make this recipe
Chai is more than just a drink; it’s a warm hug in a cup. Making your own chai allows you to control the flavors and customize it to your taste. You can enjoy it anytime during the day and share it with friends or family.
how to make Chai
Ingredients :
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (whole or your choice of plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 2 tea bags
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- 2-3 whole green cardamom pods
- 1 small piece of ginger (grated or smashed)
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2-3 whole cloves (optional)
Directions :
- In a saucepan, add the water along with the ginger, cardamom, and any optional spices like cinnamon or cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add the black tea to the boiling water. Allow it to steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
- Stir in the milk and sugar. Bring it back to a gentle boil.
- Once it reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the heat.
- Strain the chai into cups or a teapot to remove the spices and tea leaves.
- Serve hot.
how to serve Chai
Serve your chai in a warm cup. You can enjoy it plain, or add extra spices on top for garnish. It pairs well with biscuits or any snack you like.
how to store Chai
Chai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a day. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving, adding a little extra milk or water if it’s too thick.
tips to make Chai
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk or add a bit of cream.
- Adjust the sugar to your preference; you can also substitute honey or a sweetener of your choice.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or black pepper to find your favorite combination.
variation
You can create variations by adding different flavors, such as vanilla or cocoa powder for a sweet twist. You can also make a caffeine-free version by using herbal tea instead of black tea.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make chai without sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sugar or use an alternative sweetener like honey or stevia.
Q2: Is chai vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Q3: How do I make chai stronger?
To make a stronger chai, simply increase the amount of black tea or let it steep for a longer time. You can also add more spices for a robust flavor.
Chai
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, add the water along with the ginger, cardamom, and any optional spices like cinnamon or cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add the black tea to the boiling water. Allow it to steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
- Stir in the milk and sugar. Bring it back to a gentle boil.
- Once it reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the heat.
- Strain the chai into cups or a teapot to remove the spices and tea leaves.
- Serve hot.