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Masala Chai from Scratch Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

Traditional Masala Chai is a flavorful and aromatic Indian spiced tea made by simmering black tea with a blend of whole spices, fresh ginger, milk, and sugar. This homemade recipe ensures a rich, warming beverage perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea breaks.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup milk

Tea and Sweeteners

  • 3 teaspoons black tea
  • 3 teaspoons sugar

Spices and Extras

  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 8 black peppercorns
  • 3 slices ginger root

Instructions

  1. Crush the Spices: Using a mortar and pestle, gently crush the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns. There’s no need to grind them finely; just break them enough so they release their flavors during brewing.
  2. Boil Water: Pour 2 cups of filtered water into a pot and bring it to a rolling boil on the stove.
  3. Add Spices and Ginger: Once boiling, add the crushed spices and sliced ginger root to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the mixture simmer gently for at least 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  4. Add Tea and Sugar: Stir in 3 teaspoons of black tea and 3 teaspoons of sugar. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves into the spiced water.
  5. Incorporate Milk: Pour in 1 cup of milk. Bring the entire mixture back to a boil carefully.
  6. Simmer and Manage Boiling: After boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer for 5 minutes. Alternatively, to prevent overflow, lift the pot off the stove as the tea approaches a boil, then return it once the bubbling subsides. Repeat this lifting method several times to fully combine flavors without spilling.
  7. Strain and Serve: Once brewed to your liking, pour the masala chai through a sieve or fine mesh strainer into cups to remove the spices and ginger pieces.
  8. Optional Garnish: Top your chai with freshly grated cinnamon for extra aroma and taste, if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the sugar quantity to taste or substitute with alternative sweeteners like honey or jaggery for a different flavor profile.
  • Milk can be substituted with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • For stronger tea flavor, allow the black tea to steep longer before adding milk.
  • The lifting method during boiling helps prevent milky tea from boiling over and creating a mess.
  • Freshly crushed spices release more flavor compared to pre-ground versions, enhancing the chai’s aroma.

Keywords: Masala Chai, Indian Spiced Tea, Homemade Chai, Tea Recipe, Spiced Tea

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/masala-chai-from-scratch-recipe/