Indian Masala Chai is a popular aromatic beverage that has been cherished in India for centuries. This was a tea that was introduced to me maybe 20 years ago. I’m not sure how it came into our family but I assume, one of my Aunts discovered this recipe from an Indian friend of theirs. They then brought the recipe home and it is now a traditional tea, we make at get-togethers.
Masala chai is an integral part of Indian culture (and now my culture) and is often served as a welcoming gesture to guests in Indian households. It has gained popularity across the world for its unique blend of flavors, warmth, and health benefits. In India, masala chai is not just a beverage but a way of life, and every household has its own version of the recipe. For us, we normally have Indian Masala Chai after a huge meal like what we will have on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.
In this recipe post, we will take you through a simple and authentic recipe for making Indian masala chai that can be easily prepared at home. This is actually the recipe we use in our family and I can tell you that after a big meal, this drink will help. This recipe is perfect for 1-2 servings and can be customized according to your taste preferences. So let’s dive into this recipe.
Indian masala chai
Equipment
- small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1-2 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1-2 tsp honey Optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil
- Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves to the boiling water and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes
- Add the grated ginger and black tea leaves to the water and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes
- Add the milk to the saucepan and let it come to a boil. Keep stirring gently to prevent the milk from boiling over
- Once the milk comes to a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a minute or two
- Strain the chai into a mug and add honey, if desired
