Nepali Masala Chai
Nepali Masala Chai is a delightful spiced tea that beautifully combines robust black tea with aromatic spices, creating a warming beverage perfect for any time of day. Originating from the regions of Southern Asia, this comforting drink is often enjoyed after a hearty meal, especially curry. The blend of cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon adds layers of flavor, making each sip an experience to savor. Whether you're looking to unwind in the evening or kick-start your morning, this chai will envelop you in its rich, aromatic warmth. This recipe comes from one of my cherished cookbooks, 'Extending the Table', contributed by the talented Selma Unruh.
6
Servings
97
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
black tea leaves
3 tablespoons (or 3 tea bags)
boiling water
5 cups (boiling)
milk
1 1/4 cups (heated)
sugar
1/3-2/3 cup (to taste)
whole cloves
4 (whole)
cardamom pods
2-3 (cracked open (or 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom))
cinnamon stick
1 (whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling 5 cups of water in a large pot.
2
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the black tea leaves or tea bags. Allow it to steep for about 5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
3
In a separate saucepan, heat 1 1/4 cups of milk over low heat until warm, but not boiling.
4
After the tea has steeped, add the heated milk, sugar (to taste, between 1/3 to 2/3 cup), whole cloves, cracked cardamom pods (or ground cardamom), and the cinnamon stick to the pot with the tea.
5
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Remove from heat and strain the chai into cups or a tea pot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
7
Serve your Nepali Masala Chai hot, and enjoy it with friends or family for a truly comforting experience.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
17g
Carbs
2g
Protein
11g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nepali Masala Chai?
Nepali Masala Chai is a spiced tea that combines black tea with aromatic spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, often enjoyed in Southern Asia.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of tea is used for Nepali Masala Chai?
You can use 3 tablespoons of black tea leaves or 3 black tea bags.
How much water is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 cups of boiling water.
How much milk should be added to the chai?
You should use 1 1/4 cups of milk, heated until warm but not boiling.
How much sugar is recommended?
The recipe suggests adding 1/3 to 2/3 cup of sugar, adjusted to your personal taste.
What spices are included in the mixture?
The spices used are 4 whole cloves, 2-3 cracked cardamom pods, and 1 cinnamon stick.
Can I use ground cardamom instead of pods?
Yes, you can substitute 2-3 cracked cardamom pods with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
How long should the tea steep?
Allow the tea to steep in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
How long should the chai simmer after adding milk and spices?
The mixture should simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the instructions for the milk?
Heat the milk in a separate saucepan over low heat until warm, but do not let it reach a boil before adding it to the tea.
What is the final step before serving?
Remove the pot from the heat and strain the chai into cups or a teapot, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
How many calories are in one serving of this chai?
There are approximately 97 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this drink provide?
Each serving provides 2g of protein.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 11g of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
No, the fiber content for this recipe is listed as null.
Where did this specific recipe originate?
This recipe is from the cookbook 'Extending the Table' and was contributed by Selma Unruh.
When is the best time to enjoy Nepali Masala Chai?
It is a comforting drink perfect for any time of day, especially after a hearty meal like curry.
How many unique ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol in this recipe?
The sodium and cholesterol levels for this recipe are not specified.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include nepali tea, masala chai, spiced tea, chai recipe, asian beverages, comfort drink, and curry pairing.
Should the cardamom pods be prepared in any special way?
Yes, the cardamom pods should be cracked open before being added to the pot.
What is the recommended heat setting for simmering?
The mixture should be simmered gently on reduced heat.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1 whole cinnamon stick.
Is the tea served hot or cold?
The Nepali Masala Chai should be served hot.
Can I adjust the strength of the tea?
Yes, you can allow the tea to steep for about 5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
What is the total preparation and simmering time?
The process involves 5 minutes of steeping and 10 minutes of simmering, totaling at least 15 minutes of cooking time.
Who is the author mentioned in the description?
The recipe was contributed by Selma Unruh.