Try this simple and delicious chai recipe you can make quickly and easily at home. Chai is a popular Indian spiced tea beverage made with black tea, spices, and milk.
If you love chai, you’ll want to make this deliciously sweet and savory recipe for Indian spiced tea. But what exactly is chai?
WHAT IS CHAI?
Chai is a type of tea that originated in India and is now popular worldwide. The word "chai" actually just means "tea" in Hindi, and "masala" means spice. Masala chai is India's most popular drink sold by many street vendors called chai wallahs.
In the West, chai is a spiced tea made by brewing black tea with aromatic spices, usually cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
The exact origins of chai are a bit unclear, but it's thought to have been developed in India several thousand years ago. The spices used in chai were originally added to help preserve the tea and make it more palatable, but over time they became an essential part of the flavor.
This chai recipe has a number of benefits, both for the body and the mind. For one thing, it's a natural source of caffeine, so it can help you feel more alert and focused. But unlike coffee, chai also contains a number of other compounds that can help to calm the mind and improve mood, such as L-theanine and tryptophan.
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Many of the spices used in chai have their own health benefits. For example, ginger can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive system, while cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Overall, chai is a delicious and healthful beverage that millions of people worldwide enjoy. Whether you drink it for its caffeine boost or its calming properties, there's no denying that chai is a true delight for the senses.
MAIN INGREDIENTS IN CHAI RECIPE
The spice mix varies but typically includes:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cardamom pods
- Whole cloves
- Black peppercorns
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Black tea
- Honey or sugar
- Whole Milk
OPTIONAL: Star anise, anise seed, and fennel seed have a similar flavor. Anise and Fennel are related, and both are native to the Mediterranean. Star anise is unrelated to the two and is native to Asia. All three contain the same aromatic oil, responsible for the distinct flavor. Anise seed is more delicate than fennel seed. Star anise has the strongest taste.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHAI
- Cardamom - Cardamom is a spice commonly used in chai and has several health benefits. It has been shown to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and even help lower blood pressure.
- Cinnamon - Cinnamon is another spice that's often used in chai, and it has been shown to have several health benefits. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and boost brain function.
- Ginger - Ginger is a spice that's well-known for its ability to soothe the digestive system. It can help to reduce nausea, bloating, and other digestive issues. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to help relieve pain and improve circulation.
- Cloves - Cloves are a spice that is often used in chai and have several health benefits. They have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and may help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Black pepper - Black pepper is another spice that's commonly used in chai, and it has been shown to have many health benefits. It can help to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and even boost the absorption of other nutrients.
- Fennel seeds - Fennel seeds are sometimes used in chai and have several health benefits. They can help to reduce bloating and gas and may even help to increase milk production in nursing mothers.
The spices used in chai are a powerful combination that can help soothe the digestive system, reduce inflammation, and even improve brain function. Whether you enjoy chai for its flavor or its health benefits, there's no denying that it's a truly delicious and beneficial beverage!
WHAT TYPE OF TEA IS USED TO MAKE CHAI?
Traditionally, cut black tea leaves are used to make chai. In India, the most commonly used type of black tea for chai is Assam tea, which is a robust, full-bodied, strong tea that holds up well to the use of spices and milk.
However, depending on personal preference, other types of black tea can also be used, such as Darjeeling or Ceylon tea. Some people make chai with white or herbal teas like rooibos and even green tea, but these are not traditional chai preparations.
WHERE TO BUY CHAI
Chai is a popular beverage and can be found in many cafes, tea shops, and grocery stores around the world. The best chai can vary depending on personal taste preferences and the quality of the ingredients. Some options for finding the best chai include:
- Local cafes or tea shops - Many local cafes, tea, and coffee shops may make their own chai from scratch, using high-quality ingredients and spices. These small businesses may also be more willing to customize your chai to your preferences. Chai latte is also quite popular. The ratio of milk to water is 1:1 in a latte.
- Online retailers - Many online retailers sell a variety of chai blends, including organic, fair-trade, and specialty blends. Be sure to read reviews and check the ingredient list to find a high-quality blend.
- Specialty food stores - Many specialty food stores, such as health food stores or spice shops, may carry a variety of chai blends and or a chai concentrate that uses high-quality ingredients and spices.
- Farmer's markets - Some local farmers may have vendors selling homemade chai blends made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Ultimately, the best chai will depend on your personal preferences and taste. Experiment with different blends and methods of preparation to find the perfect cup of chai for you!
THE BEST ONLINE RETAILERS TO BUY CHAI
- Adagio Teas - Adagio Teas offers various chai blends, including traditional blends and unique blends with added flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
- Rishi Tea - Rishi Tea offers organic and fair-trade chai blends, including traditional Masala Chai and unique blends like Turmeric Ginger Chai, Chocolate Chai, and chai concentrate.
- The Tea Spot - The Tea Spot offers a variety of chai blends, including traditional Masala Chai, as well as unique blends like Coconut Chai and Mile High Chai.
- Firebelly Tea - Firebelly Tea offers organic green tea with chai spices.
- Vahdam Teas - Vahdam Teas offers the largest variety of chai blends, including traditional Masala Chai and unique blends like Maharaja Breakfast Chai and Bombay Cutting Chai.
These are some of my favorite places to buy chai. Be sure to read reviews and check the ingredient list to find a high-quality blend that suits your taste preferences!
Pro Tip #1:
If you buy chai with whole spices preblended with loose black tea, follow these instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Use a 1 teaspoon chai blend to 1 cup water.
- Once the water has come to a boil, add the black tea chai spice blend (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom pods, and ginger) to the pot.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the tea infuses with the spices.
- Add the milk to the pot and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Use ½ cup of milk for one serving.
- Once the mixture has simmered for a few minutes, remove it from the heat and strain out the tea and spices.
- If desired, add a sweetener of your choice.
- Serve hot, and enjoy!
Pro Tip #2:
- The spices for chai are called aromatic spices; you can grind them with a spice grinder just before simmering. Ground spices add more flavor than whole spices.
Pro Tip #3:
- Use good quality loose tea leaves for the best flavor.
EASY MASALA CHAI RECIPE
You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. Some people prefer to add a pinch of ground black pepper or nutmeg to their chai for an extra kick of flavor. Experiment with the recipe to find your perfect chai blend!
Note: This is an authentic masala chai recipe, but there are many variations and personal preferences when it comes to making chai. Some people prefer to add more or less of certain spices or use different types of milk or sweeteners. This recipe is perfect for a hot cup of chai, but it also makes an excellent iced chai.
Recipe
Masala Chai Recipe
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 6 seeds cardamom
- 6 whole cloves
- 5 seeds black peppercorns
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 3 teaspoons black tea
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons pure cane sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and ginger to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the black tea to the spice mixture and simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
- Add the milk, sugar, or honey to the mixture and simmer again. Keep stirring the mixture while it simmers for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the chai sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Strain the chai into mugs or teacups and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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