Masala Chai Recipe
By The Cook Book
Serving Details
Serves: 2
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Recipe Description
**Masala Chai** is a traditional Indian spiced tea, known for its rich, aromatic flavor profile. Made with a combination of black tea, milk, and a variety of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, this tea is both comforting and invigorating. Perfect for a cold morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, Masala Chai offers a cozy and flavorful experience with every sip.
Ingredients
- For the Masala Chai:
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger slices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the tea leaves (or tea bags) and sugar (if using) to the saucepan. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Pour in the milk and bring the mixture back to a simmer, allowing it to heat through. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the tea into cups to remove the spices and tea leaves. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade Masala Chai!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 75 kcal (with milk and sugar)
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fats: 2 g
- Saturated Fats: 1 g
- Sugar: 6 g (if sugar is added)
FAQs
Can I make Masala Chai without milk?
Yes, you can make Masala Chai without milk for a more traditional, dairy-free version. Simply omit the milk and adjust the water to 2.5 cups for a more robust flavor.
Can I make a larger batch of Masala Chai?
Absolutely! Just increase the ingredients accordingly. For every extra cup of water, add another tea bag (or teaspoon of tea leaves), along with additional spices as per your preference.
What can I substitute for sugar?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or coconut sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.