Why visit the coffee shop, when you can make this easy Indian Masala Chai at home. Serve with your favorite Onion Bhaji, Pakoras, or Samosas. This Sweet and Spicy take on the chai is a wonderful alternative to your cuppa.
And the masala tea comes together in just 1 Pot and 20 minutes!
What is Chai Tea?
If you are still wondering what is Indian Chai Tea? Let me tell you Chai = Tea.
Ask for Chai Tea from the roadside Chaiwala vendor in India and he will offer you 2 cups. Because Chai is the Hindi word for Tea!
Masala Chai = Spices infused Tea.
How to make Indian Masala Chai? Indian Chai is made by steeping the black tea and spices in water. Once the flavors are infused, add the milk and bring it to a rolling boil. Sweeten the chai with sugar to offset the bitterness. Masala wali chai is rich, strong, bold, steaming hot, and has a deep color.
Likewise, when you see Chai Tea Latte on the menu, it is translated to “tea tea milk” – each word is translated in a different language, Hindi, English, and Italian!
Why make this Recipe?
Authentic Masala Chai is the Real Taste of India. I know so many of you have been to India on a holiday and one thing you miss is the pipping hot cup of Chai served to your hotel rooms in the morning.
You love Dishoom restaurant’s Masala Chai and would like to make it at home.
Really easy to make and there is actually no recipe for homemade chai. It is the method of making Chai, is what matters. The general thumb rule is a 1:2 ratio for milk and water in the recipe.
A delicious alternative to your good old cuppa. Every day English Tea is light, almost flavorless, has little or no sugar. The flavors of the English Breakfast Tea are nowhere near to the Chai that is made in Indian Households.
This Chai is induced with fragrant whole spices like cardamom, black peppercorn, and cinnamon & herb-like ginger for warming delicious flavors. You don’t need any masala chai tea bags or spice mix.
Can make Vegan Chai with Dairy-free milk. Use any full-bodied milk that’s rich and dairy-free for the recipe.
Did you know Indian Chai with spices has health benefits too. It is so good for the sore croaky throat? Thanks to the amazing spices and warming ginger – this Indian chai tea is a healer.
About this Easy Masala Chai recipe
In India, Chai is more like sentiment and every family has their own way of making it. Morning Chai has little or no spice. We serve Filter Coffee or Masala Tea with fritters or pakora when friends and family come over at chai time.
My sister-in-law makes her chai with lemongrass and some make it with tulsi ( Indian basil ).
I like my Indian chai with ginger and cardamom. I prefer Assam or Darjeeling loose tea leaves. Asian Stores usually sell Brooke Bond Red label or Wagh Bakri masala chai loose black tea – they make strong refreshing tea!
If either of the brand tea is not available I prefer using tetley tea bags. Open the packet to loosen the tea powder and use it in the recipe.
To make authentic homemade chai, add gently pounded Whole spices & Ginger along with loose tea leaves/ powder to boiled water and simmered for at least 10 minutes. Now add sugar, milk and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring and taste. Discard the solids and serve.
Masala Chai is generally a bit sweeter, enjoyed in small portions rather than large quantities like the English tea.
My husband loves his chai with Parle G biscuit !
Love Chai Flavors – Thinking what to make?
Chai Cupcakes
Mug Cake with Chai Latte flavors
Chai Snickerdoodle Spritz Cookies
HAVE YOU MADE THIS RECIPE ?
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Homemade Indian Chai recipe below
Ingredients
- 1½ tbsp Assam or Darjeeling tea or black tea
- 2" fresh ginger
- 8 -10 black peppercorns
- 6 cardamom pods
- 1" cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2-3 tsp Sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cup water
Instructions
- Gently pound the spices and bash the ginger. Add the spices, tea, and boiling water to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for at least 10 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sugar, milk and turn up the heat. Bring the chai to a boil.
- Allow it to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring in between.
- If you like a stronger flavor, simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Strain the chai, Discard the solids, and serve.
looks great my boy loves Chai