Spiced Rescue Chai
Revitalize your chai tea bag experience with this Spiced Rescue Chai recipe. No longer will you have to settle for a watery and bland cup of tea. By simmering the tea bag longer and adding milk at just the right moment, you'll infuse your drink with richer flavors and spices reminiscent of authentic Indian chai. This quick recipe transforms a simple tea bag into a comforting, aromatic beverage that can be enjoyed any time of day. Perfect for those who crave a warm cup of chai, but might not have access to traditional spices or recipe prep.
1
Servings
90
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
chai tea bag
1 (Use your favorite brand (Trader Joe's recommended))
water
1 cup (Cold)
nonfat milk
1/2 cup (Any type of milk preferred (skim milk works well))
honey
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, can substitute with sugar)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, can substitute with honey)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of cold water and the chai tea bag, placing it over high heat.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, allowing it to cook for approximately 10 minutes. This will concentrate the flavors, reducing the water by half.
3
If after 10 minutes you have less than 1/2 cup of water remaining, simply add additional water to reach that amount.
4
Remove the tea bag from the saucepan, and stir in 1/2 cup of your preferred milk, along with either honey or sugar if desired.
5
Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil to incorporate all the flavors, then pour the chai into your favorite mug.
6
Remember, if you let your chai sit too long, a thin 'skin' may form on top. Stir occasionally while enjoying to prevent this.
Nutrition Information
6
Protein
100
Sodium
5
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Rescue Chai?
Spiced Rescue Chai is a revitalized tea recipe designed to transform a standard, bland chai tea bag into a rich, aromatic beverage by using a specific simmering and reduction technique.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to produce 1 serving of chai.
What are the main ingredients for Spiced Rescue Chai?
The main ingredients include one chai tea bag, one cup of cold water, half a cup of milk, and optional honey or sugar for sweetness.
How long should I simmer the tea bag?
The tea bag should be simmered in water for approximately 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Why should I start with cold water?
Starting with cold water and bringing it to a boil with the tea bag allows for a better extraction of the spices as the temperature rises.
What type of milk is recommended for this recipe?
You can use any preferred milk; however, nonfat or skim milk works very well for this preparation.
Is there a specific tea bag brand suggested?
While you can use any brand, the recipe specifically recommends Trader Joe's chai tea bags for the best results.
What should I do if too much water evaporates during simmering?
If you have less than 1/2 cup of liquid remaining after 10 minutes, simply add more water to reach the 1/2 cup mark.
When do I add the honey or sugar?
Stir in your choice of honey or sugar at the same time you add the milk, after the tea bag has been removed.
Why do I need to bring the mixture back to a boil?
Bringing the mixture to a second gentle boil after adding milk helps to fully incorporate the flavors and ensures the drink is hot.
How do I prevent a thin skin from forming on my tea?
To prevent a skin from forming, stir the chai occasionally while you are enjoying it.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of Spiced Rescue Chai contains approximately 90 calories.
What is the protein content of this drink?
This chai recipe contains 6 grams of protein per serving.
How much sodium is in the Spiced Rescue Chai?
There are 100 milligrams of sodium in one serving of this tea.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Yes, one serving contains approximately 5 milligrams of cholesterol.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with any non-dairy or plant-based alternative of your choice.
What is the goal of reducing the water by half?
Reducing the water concentrates the tea and spices, preventing the final drink from tasting watery once the milk is added.
Is honey required for this recipe?
No, honey is optional and can be omitted or replaced with sugar depending on your preference.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a small saucepan to simmer the tea and a mug for serving.
How much sweetener should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of honey or sugar, but you can adjust this to your taste.
Can I make this if I don't have traditional Indian spices?
Yes, this recipe is perfect because it uses the spices already contained within a standard tea bag.
What is the total preparation time?
Preparation takes about 10 to 12 minutes primarily due to the simmering process.
Is this drink served hot or cold?
This is a hot beverage recipe.
Can I use two tea bags for a stronger flavor?
While the recipe calls for one, you can use two if you prefer an even more intense spice profile.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chai, beverage, tea, spiced tea, comfort drink, easy recipe, and hot drink.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that requires minimal cooking skills.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The specific carbohydrate count is not provided, though it will vary based on the sweetener used.
Should the heat be high the whole time?
No, start on high heat to boil, then lower to a simmer for the 10-minute reduction period.
When should I remove the tea bag?
Remove the tea bag after the 10-minute simmer and before adding the milk and sweetener.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two servings in a slightly larger saucepan.