Masala Chai Recipe
Masala Chai Recipe: As a housewife, I love nothing more than sipping on a hot cup of Masala Chai on a chilly morning. The warm and comforting aroma of the spices, combined with the slightly sweet taste of the tea, makes me feel at peace and ready to take on the day. Whether it’s a busy workday or a lazy weekend, a cup of Masala Chai is always a treat.
What is Masala Chai?
Masala Chai is a traditional Indian tea drink made by brewing black tea leaves with a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns. The spices not only add flavor to the tea but also have numerous health benefits. In India, Masala Chai is a staple drink and is enjoyed by people of all ages, from early in the morning to late in the evening.
Variations of Masala Chai Recipe
- Ginger Masala Chai: This variation uses fresh ginger to give the tea a spicy and zesty flavor.
- Cardamom Masala Chai: This variation uses green cardamom to give the tea a sweet and fragrant flavor.
- Mint Masala Chai: This variation adds fresh mint leaves to the tea, giving it a refreshing and cool taste.
- Saffron Masala Chai: This variation uses saffron to give the tea a sweet and floral flavor.
- Kashmiri Chai: This variation uses green tea leaves and is famous for its bright red color and slightly sweet taste.
Nutrition in Masala Chai Recipe
Masala Chai is not only delicious but also nutritious. The spices used in the tea have numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity. The tea itself contains antioxidants that help protect the body against diseases. However, it is important to note that adding sugar to the tea can significantly increase its calorie count, so it is recommended to limit the amount of sugar added.
Step by Step Masala Chai Recipe
Masala Chai Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 3 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp black tea
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 Green cardamom
- ½ inch ginger
Instructions
Preparations
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Crush ginger and cardamoms in a mortar- pestle.
Cooking
- To make Masala Chai / Masala Tea, start boiling water in a Pan with handle.
- Let the water come to a boil and then add the crushed ginger and cardamom.
- Boil both along with the water for 2 minutes.
- Then add black tea leaves or black tea powder as per availability or personal choice.
- Now, add sugar into the pan. You can increase or decrease sugar as per your taste preference.
- Boil the mixture for another 2 minutes. This boiling time may vary depends on the tea you have chosen.
- When all ingredients mix well together, and color of water changes to dark reddish black, add milk.
- Boil for another 2 minutes. I recommend using room temperature milk. If you are adding chilled milk, then you might to boil for more another 2 minutes.
- Your tea is ready.
- Pour the tea through a tea strainer directly in the cup.
- Serve hot Masala Chai with Indian Snacks or Cookies or Biscuits.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Tea Leaves: You can choose tea leaves or powdered tea or tea bags as you like. I have taken powdered tea for this Masala Chai. If you are choosing Tea Bags, then take 2 or 3 Tea Bags to make this Chai.
- Spices: You can add or remove spices as per your taste preference.
- Preferably use black tea like CTC Assam tea powder or Assam tea leaves. If its organic its better.
- Vegan Chai: For vegan chai, you can add soy milk or almond milk.
- Milk: The amount of milk varies from person to person. You can add milk as per your taste preference.
- Tea brand: The brand of tea also makes a difference to the flavor and color of Masala Chai Recipe. Choose the brand which is organic and has strong aroma. I am not recommending any brand here, just saying that, I have made this Masala Tea / Indian Tea with Waghbakri tea brand.
- Sugar: If you don’t like your tea sweet like me, can avoid completely adding in your Masala Chai Recipe.
- Ingredients & Equipments: Find these Ingredients & Equipments at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Masala Chai Recipe
What are the main ingredients in Masala Chai Recipe?
The ingredients in a classic Masala Chai include tea leaves, water, milk, sugar, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, black peppercorns, and cloves. You can customize the flavor by using more or less of certain spices or using different types of tea leaves. Some recipes also call for a combination of different spices such as star anise, fennel seeds, and nutmeg.
What is the origin of Masala Chai?
Masala Chai has its origins in India, where it has been a staple drink for centuries. The word “chai” simply means “tea” in many Indian languages, while “masala” refers to the blend of spices used to flavor the tea. The exact recipe for Masala Chai can vary greatly depending on regional and cultural preferences, but it remains a beloved drink in many parts of the world.
What is the difference between Chai and Masala Chai?
The difference between Chai and Masala Chai is that Chai simply refers to tea, while Masala Chai refers to tea that has been flavored with a blend of spices. Masala Chai is often made with a mixture of black tea leaves and spices, while Chai can be made with any type of tea.
What are the health benefits of Masala Chai?
Masala Chai provides a number of health benefits, thanks to the combination of tea and spices. The tea provides a dose of antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and chronic disease. The spices used in Masala Chai, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the spices can aid in digestion and help boost the immune system.
How long does it take to make Masala Chai?
Making Masala Chai from scratch typically takes around 10-15 minutes. This includes the time to boil the water, steep the tea and spices, and add the milk and sugar. You can also make a larger batch of the spice mixture and store it for later use, which can save time on future batches.
Can I make Masala Chai without sugar?
Yes, you can definitely make Masala Chai without sugar. Simply omit the sugar from the recipe and adjust the other ingredients to your taste. Some people prefer to use honey, stevia, or another natural sweetener instead of sugar.
What is the best tea to use for Masala Chai?
The best tea to use for Masala Chai is a strong, full-bodied black tea such as Assam or Darjeeling. These teas have a bold flavor that can stand up to the spices and other ingredients. You can also use a blend of black and green tea, or a blend of different types of black tea, to create a unique flavor profile.
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