Authentic Indian Masala Chai
Discover the rich and aromatic world of Indian tea with this Authentic Indian Masala Chai recipe. This spiced milk tea blends the robust flavors of Assam tea with a carefully curated selection of spices such as ginger, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom, creating a warm and inviting beverage. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea, this delightful drink not only invigorates the senses but also offers a comforting experience. Share this heartwarming recipe with family and friends to bring a taste of India into your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Liquid Milk
2 cups (None)
Water
2 cups (None)
Sugar
6 teaspoons (None)
Dried Tea Leaves (preferably Assam)
3 teaspoons (None)
Masala Spice Mixture
1/2 teaspoon (Prepare by grinding spices)
Ground Ginger
1/2 cup (None)
Clove
1/8 cup (None)
Whole Black Peppercorn
1/3 cup (None)
Cinnamon (Ground)
3 tablespoons (None)
Grated Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (Around 1/4 piece)
Green Cardamom Pods
2 tablespoons (None)
Instructions
1
In a spice mill or blender, combine ground ginger, cloves, whole black peppercorns, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and green cardamom pods. Blend until finely ground. Store any unused masala in an airtight jar for later use.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the liquid milk and water. Heat over medium-high until it reaches a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, lower the heat and carefully stir in the sugar, dried tea leaves, and a pinch of the freshly ground masala mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help infuse the flavors and deepen the color of the tea.
4
After 8 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the chai into cups using a fine mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves and spice residue.
5
Serve the Masala Chai hot, and optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of the masala mixture or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Indian Masala Chai?
It is a traditional Indian spiced milk tea that blends robust Assam tea with aromatic spices like ginger, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom.
What type of tea is best for this recipe?
Dried tea leaves, preferably from the Assam region, are recommended for their robust flavor.
What are the primary spices in the masala mixture?
The mixture includes ground ginger, cloves, whole black peppercorns, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and green cardamom pods.
How much milk is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of liquid milk.
How much water is used in this tea?
This recipe requires 2 cups of water.
What is the recommended amount of sugar?
The recipe suggests adding 6 teaspoons of sugar.
How do I prepare the masala spice mixture?
Combine the spices in a spice mill or blender and blend until they are finely ground.
How much of the masala mixture should I add to the tea?
Add a 1/2 teaspoon of the freshly ground masala mixture to the tea while simmering.
How long should the chai simmer?
The tea should simmer gently for about 8 minutes to infuse flavors and deepen the color.
How should I store the leftover masala spice?
Store any unused masala spice mixture in an airtight jar for future use.
What is the first step in making the chai?
The first step is to blend the ground ginger, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom pods into a fine powder.
At what temperature should the milk and water be heated?
Heat the milk and water over medium-high heat until the liquid reaches a rolling boil.
What should I do once the milk and water start boiling?
Lower the heat and stir in the sugar, dried tea leaves, and the masala mixture.
How do I remove the tea leaves and spices before serving?
Strain the chai into cups using a fine mesh strainer to remove all residue.
Are there any suggested garnishes for Masala Chai?
You can optionally garnish with a sprinkle of the masala mixture or a cinnamon stick.
How much ground ginger is used in the spice batch?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of ground ginger for the spice mixture batch.
How many cardamom pods are needed for the spice mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of green cardamom pods.
How much cinnamon is included in the spice blend?
Three tablespoons of ground cinnamon are used in the mixture.
What amount of black peppercorns is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of whole black peppercorns.
How much clove is added to the masala?
The recipe requires 1/8 cup of cloves.
What is the amount of nutmeg used?
Use 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg, which is roughly 1/4 of a whole piece.
Should the chai be stirred during simmering?
Yes, stir the mixture occasionally during the 8-minute simmer.
What is the best way to serve Masala Chai?
It should be served hot for the most comforting experience.
What are the flavor characteristics of this tea?
It is described as rich, aromatic, warm, and inviting.
Is this recipe suitable for afternoon tea?
Yes, it is perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon tea beverage.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A medium-sized saucepan is ideal for boiling the milk and water.
How many tea leaves are used per batch?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of dried tea leaves.
What is the benefit of using a fine mesh strainer?
It ensures that all spice residue and tea leaves are removed for a smooth drink.
Can the masala mixture be made in advance?
Yes, the masala can be blended ahead of time and stored in a jar.
What makes this chai recipe 'authentic'?
It uses traditional Indian spices and the classic method of simmering tea leaves and milk together.