Masala Chai

This warming beverage is easy to prepare by steeping spices in hot water and milk before adding black tea. It's not as milky as the chai often sold at American coffee bars; to make it richer, add more milk and sugar to taste.What Is Chai and How to Make It

ByMaya Kaimal
February 1999

Gallery

Credit: Photo by Adam Friedlander / Food Styling by Pearl Jones

Recipe Summary

active:
10 mins
total:
20 mins
Yield:
MAKES ABOUT 4 CUPS
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Ingredients

Directions

  • In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon. Transfer the crushed spices to a small saucepan, add the water, ginger and pepper and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.

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  • Add the milk and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the tea. Cover and let steep for 3 minutes. Stir the chai, then strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.

Notes

Chai, a traditional Indian tea, blends black tea with sweet, heady spices, like cardamom, cinnamon and cloves with milk. While many people make chai with liquid concentrates, it's better and more pungent when made with loose tea and whole spices.

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