Authentic Indian Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of India with this beloved Masala Chai recipe. Known for bringing warmth and comfort, this enchanting spiced tea combines a fragrant blend of spices with the robust taste of black tea and creamy milk. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a ritual that awakens the senses, making it a staple for millions every morning. Whether enjoyed alone or in good company, this delightful drink is perfect for cozy gatherings or a refreshing afternoon break.
N/A
Servings
61
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
2 cups (No preparation needed.)
Cloves
3-5 (Use whole cloves.)
Cinnamon stick
1 (Crushed.)
Cardamom pods
2-3 (Crushed.)
Sugar or sucanat
1/4 cup (Adjust sweetness to taste.)
Milk
1 cup (Use whole milk or your choice of milk.)
Black tea leaves
2 tablespoons (Use loose leaf tea for best flavor.)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, pour the 2 cups of water and add the cloves, crushed cinnamon stick, and crushed cardamom pods.
2
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the pan and reduce the heat to let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors into the water.
4
Stir in the sugar or sucanat, mixing until fully dissolved. Then, add the milk to the saucepan.
5
Carefully bring the mixture back to a boil, keeping a close eye on it to prevent the milk from bubbling over.
6
Once just boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add the black tea leaves. Cover the pan and let the tea steep for 5 minutes to extract the full flavor.
7
After steeping, strain the tea through a fine mesh filter or tea strainer to remove the spices and tea leaves, pouring it into cups or a teapot.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
10g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
0g
Fiber
8.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Indian Masala Chai?
Authentic Indian Masala Chai is a beloved spiced tea from India that combines a fragrant blend of spices with black tea and creamy milk.
What ingredients are needed for Masala Chai?
The ingredients include water, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, sugar or sucanat, milk, and black tea leaves.
How much water is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water.
How many cloves should I add to the tea?
You should use 3 to 5 whole cloves.
How should the cinnamon stick be prepared?
The cinnamon stick should be crushed before being added to the saucepan.
How many cardamom pods are required?
The recipe requires 2 to 3 cardamom pods, which should be crushed.
How long should the spices simmer in the water?
After bringing the water and spices to a rolling boil, reduce the heat and let them simmer for 5 minutes.
What type of sweetener can I use for this tea?
You can use 1/4 cup of sugar or sucanat, and you may adjust the sweetness to your taste.
When do I add the milk to the Masala Chai?
Add the milk to the saucepan after the sugar or sucanat has been fully dissolved in the spiced water.
How much milk is needed for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of milk.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use whole milk or any other milk of your choice.
What should I do after adding the milk?
Carefully bring the mixture back to a boil, watching closely to ensure the milk does not bubble over.
When should the black tea leaves be added?
Add the black tea leaves after removing the saucepan from the heat, once the mixture has just reached a boil.
What type of tea leaves are recommended?
Loose leaf black tea is recommended for the best and most authentic flavor.
How many tablespoons of black tea leaves are required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves.
How long should the tea steep after adding the leaves?
Cover the pan and let the tea steep for 5 minutes to fully extract the flavor.
How do I serve the Masala Chai?
Strain the tea through a fine mesh filter or tea strainer to remove the spices and tea leaves before pouring it into cups.
How many calories are in this Masala Chai recipe?
There are 61 calories in this recipe.
What is the fat content of this spiced tea?
This recipe contains 2g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this drink?
There are 10g of carbohydrates in this tea.
How much protein is in the Masala Chai?
This beverage provides 1.5g of protein.
Does this tea contain any fiber?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fiber.
What is the total sugar content per serving?
The recipe contains 8.5g of sugar.
Is Masala Chai caffeinated?
Yes, because it uses black tea leaves, it contains caffeine.
Is this tea considered a traditional beverage?
Yes, it is a traditional Indian beverage known for providing warmth and comfort.
Can I use a tea strainer for this recipe?
Yes, a fine mesh filter or tea strainer is used to remove the whole spices and tea leaves after steeping.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include chai, masala chai, indian tea, spiced tea, beverages, warm drinks, and aromatic.
Why do I need to crush the cinnamon and cardamom?
Crushing the spices helps to release their aromatic oils and infuse the water with more flavor.
What makes this tea aromatic?
The combination of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom creates a fragrant, aromatic profile.
Can I adjust the amount of sugar?
Yes, the recipe notes that sweetness should be adjusted to your personal preference.