Masala chai, a traditional Indian beverage, is a widely cherished tea known for its aromatic blend of spices and rich, flavorful taste. Originating from the vibrant streets of India, this comforting concoction has captivated the hearts of tea enthusiasts worldwide. Its unique combination of black tea, milk, sugar, and a melange of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger creates a symphony of flavors that is both invigorating and comforting. Masala chai is not merely a beverage; it's a cultural experience that encapsulates the essence of India's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're a seasoned chai connoisseur or a novice seeking an authentic taste of India, this article will guide you through the art of crafting the perfect masala chai, transporting you to the bustling streets of India with every sip.
Let's cook with our recipes!
EASY MASALA CHAI RECIPE
A delicious and easy dairy-free chai recipe made with whole spices. It's spicy, comforting, naturally sweetened, and made in just 1 pot with 8 ingredients!
Provided by Minimalist Baker
Categories Beverage
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and cloves to the bowl of a mortar (or cutting board) and use pestle (or heavy pan) to slightly crush the spices. You aren't pulverizing into a powder, just slightly crushing into small pieces (see photo).
- To a medium saucepan add crushed spices, water, and grated (or sliced) ginger and bring to a boil over high heat. (Note: For a less gingery chai, reduce amount of ginger and slice rather than grating). Then reduce heat slightly to medium/medium-low and maintain a simmer for 15 minutes or until it reduces by about one-third.
- Add tea (loose leaf or bags) and dairy-free milk of choice (we love light canned coconut) and lower heat to low. Cover and continue cooking for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then turn off heat and let steep for 5 minutes more (covered) or longer for deeper flavor.
- Add sweetener of choice to taste (we prefer stevia or maple syrup, but sugar is more traditional). Strain through a fine mesh strainer before serving.
- Keep strained, cooled leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in a milk frother. Not freezer friendly.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 200 kcal, Carbohydrate 19.4 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 13.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 21 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 4.9 g, UnsaturatedFat 6.31 g
MASALA CHAI (TEA)
There's nothing as good as the perfect cup of Masala Chai whether it's in the middle of summer or for cozying up in the winter. Black tea is simmered with warming and fragrant spices and is best served with Parle-G biscuits or cake rusk for dipping.
Provided by Shweta Garg
Categories Drinks
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Add the whole spices to a mortar and crush them lightly into smaller pieces.
- In a small saucepan on high heat, pour in the water and add the spices. Bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags or leaves. Lower the heat to a medium to low setting and simmer for two minutes, or until the tea leaves and spices have released flavor and color. Then, pour in the milk.
- Method one - Double Boil:Bring the chai to a boil on high heat, so that it starts aerating and bubbling to the top. Remove the pot from heat until the bubbles come down. Replace the pot on the burner and bring the chai back up again to a boil and remove from heat a second time until the bubbles go back down.Method two - Pulling ChaiAlternatively, use a small cup with a handle or ladle to scoop some of the chai and "pull" it while it's simmering. Start by pouring in the chai at a low height and steadily move up higher while continuing to pour the chai back into the pot to create bubbles. Repeat a few times until the chai is bubbly.
- Continue to simmer the chai until desired consistency and color, about 5-7 minutes. Some of the liquid will have evaporated by now, so the chai will be smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Strain the chai with a sieve into glasses, mugs, or a tea pot. Mix in the sugar according to taste, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 100 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 12 mg, Sodium 65 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 10 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g
EASY AUTHENTIC MASALA CHAI
This is a great way to make masala chai from scratch in just a few minutes!
Provided by Saara
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Indian
Time 21m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring water to a boil in a small pot. Add ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, green cardamom, and black cardamom; simmer until flavors infuse, about 5 minutes. Add tea bags; simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Add milk and sugar; bring back to a boil. Strain tea into mugs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 98.7 calories, Carbohydrate 18.4 g, Cholesterol 6.5 mg, Fat 1.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 44.3 mg, Sugar 16.3 g
MASALA CHAI
This chai tea is hot, spicy, and has a hint of the exotic...gotta love it!
Provided by JP001
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Indian
Time 10m
Yield 1
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add the cardamom pod, clove, peppercorns and tea leaves. Remove from heat, and let the mixture steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain into a cup, and fill cup the rest of the way with milk. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100 calories, Carbohydrate 14.6 g, Cholesterol 9.8 mg, Fat 2.6 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 55 mg, Sugar 12 g
Tips:
- Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor. Pre-ground spices tend to lose their potency over time.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of tea. Black tea is the traditional choice for masala chai, but you can also use green tea, oolong tea, or even rooibos tea.
- If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can grind the spices in a coffee grinder.
- Be careful not to overcook the milk. This can make it curdle.
- Serve masala chai hot and fresh, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cardamom.
Conclusion:
Masala chai is a delicious and aromatic beverage that can be enjoyed any time of day. It's a great way to warm up on a cold day or to relax after a long day. If you've never tried masala chai before, I encourage you to give it a try. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
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