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Masala Chai Recipe

Masala Chai

A traditional Indian spiced milk tea simmered with fresh ginger, whole cardamom, cloves, and black tea.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chai Ingredients
  • 1 cup water filtered water
  • 3 whole green cardamom pods lightly cracked
  • 2 whole cloves optional
  • 1 small piece cinnamon stick about 1 inch
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger peeled and grated
  • 2 teaspoons black tea leaves CTC tea granules or loose black tea
  • 1 cup whole milk dairy milk
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar adjust to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan A small to medium saucepan with a capacity of at least 1 liter.
  • 1 Mortar and pestle For crushing whole spices.
  • 1 Fine-mesh strainer For straining loose tea leaves and spices.

Method
 

  1. Place the cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon piece into a mortar and use the pestle to crush them lightly until the cardamom pods split open.
  2. Pour the water into a saucepan. Add the crushed spices and grated ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes until the water is fragrant and tinted.
  3. Add the black tea leaves and sugar to the simmering water. Let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes until the liquid turns a deep amber color.
  4. Pour in the whole milk. Bring the mixture back up to a gentle simmer over medium heat, watching closely so it does not boil over. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer directly into mugs or cups and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference or omit it entirely.
Whole milk gives the best traditional body, but 2% dairy milk also works.