Making a great cup of steaming hot masala chai is easier than you think and the end results are delicious! I recommend using loose tea leaves over tea bags, but the option is yours.
If you prefer, you can buy a ready made spice mixture (available in any Indian grocery store) known as Chai Masala (tea spice) or use your own favorite spices. If you prefer a plain cup of chai, just omit the spices.
MASALA CHAI
Yield: 1 delicious cup of steaming hot chai
Ingredients:
1 tea bag per cup (or 1 tsp of tea leaves per cup)
1 cup of water
½ cup of milk (can use low fat milk for a healthier version)
¼ tsp ready made chai masala powder (or use your favorite spices)
sugar to taste (or any sweetener of your choice)
METHOD:
In a saucepan, add the water along with any of your favorite whole spices (such as 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 slice of fresh ginger, 1 crushed green cardamom pod, 2 black peppercorns, 2 cloves…).
After 2-3 minutes, add your tea bag or tea leaves. Once the water comes to a good boil, add your milk and reduce the heat to a low simmer. If you are using a ready made chai masala powder, add it now. After a minute or so, strain and serve with sugar (or sweetener). Enjoy with your favorite snacks.
VARIATIONS:
For Vanilla Chai, add a drop or 2 of vanilla extract. For Honey Chai, use your favorite honey instead of sugar. The flavor possibilities and combinations are virtually endless! You can also serve the chai over ice cubes for a cool and refreshing ice chai.
For Coconut Chai, add coconut milk instead of regular milk. Serve hot or over ice for a refreshing chilled beverage.
To make a delicious Chai Milkshake:
In a blender, combine the cooled chai with vanilla ice cream and blend until the desired consistency is reached.
