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Masala Chai Recipe

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4.3 from 79 reviews

Masala Chai is a flavorful and aromatic Indian spiced tea made by boiling a blend of whole spices, black tea, milk, and sugar. This homemade recipe infuses traditional warm spices like cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon to create a rich and comforting beverage perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (or any plain plant-based milk)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons loose black tea (strong Assam recommended)
  • 12 tablespoons sugar (to taste)

Spices

  • 6 green cardamom pods (crushed)
  • 1 1/22 inches fresh ginger (crushed)
  • 68 whole black peppercorns (lightly cracked)
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • optional: 1 whole clove

Instructions

  1. Boil the spices: Combine the water and all of the spices in a small saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce slightly and boil uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until the liquid is deeply fragrant and slightly reduced.
  2. Add the tea: Add the loose black tea to the spiced water and return to a lively simmer. Boil for 1–2 minutes, allowing the tea to darken and release its robust aroma.
  3. Finish the chai: Pour in the whole milk and add the sugar. Bring the chai back to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chai is rich, aromatic, and lightly frothy.
  4. Strain and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai into mugs through a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and tea leaves. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired, then serve the chai hot.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preference.
  • Milk can be substituted with any plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
  • For a stronger spice flavor, increase the quantity of spices or simmer them longer in water before adding tea.
  • Use freshly crushed spices for the best flavor.
  • Leftover chai can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stove.