Homemade Masala Chai in a Snap

Masala chai is a delightful, spicy drink that will warm you up from your head to your toes! Perfect for cold, rainy days like these, a creamy masala chai can do wonders for a dreary day and can always be customized precisely to suit your tastes and preferences. Use any kind of milk you like (or none at all), double the spices (or not) – it’s up to you! This recipe is a good place to start.

Photo by Trupti

Masala Chai Tea

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk (soy, almond, whole, etc)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped or grated
• 4 whole cloves
• 6 whole cardamom seed pods, pressed or ground
• 1 cinnamon stick, optional
• 1/4 tsp black peppercorns, optional
• sugar (or other sweeteners) to taste

Directions

1.  In a small saucepan, bring the tea, water, milk, ginger, cloves, and cardamom (and other spices, if using), to a boil.
2. Quickly reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the flavor reaches the desired intensity.
3. Add the desired amount of sweetener; at least 1 teaspoon is recommended.
4. Strain the mixture into a cup and serve hot!

Photo Credits: Trupti