Indian Masala Chai Recipes

MASALA CHAI (TEA)

Steps:

• Add the whole spices to a mortar and crush them lightly into smaller pieces.
• In a small saucepan on high heat, pour in the water and add the spices. Bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags or leaves. Lower the heat to a medium to low setting and simmer for two minutes, or until the tea leaves and spices have released flavor and color. Then, pour in the milk.
• Method one - Double Boil:Bring the chai to a boil on high heat, so that it starts aerating and bubbling to the top. Remove the pot from heat until the bubbles come down. Replace the pot on the burner and bring the chai back up again to a boil and remove from heat a second time until the bubbles go back down.Method two - Pulling ChaiAlternatively, use a small cup with a handle or ladle to scoop some of the chai and "pull" it while it's simmering. Start by pouring in the chai at a low height and steadily move up higher while continuing to pour the chai back into the pot to create bubbles. Repeat a few times until the chai is bubbly.
• Continue to simmer the chai until desired consistency and color, about 5-7 minutes. Some of the liquid will have evaporated by now, so the chai will be smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from heat.
• Strain the chai with a sieve into glasses, mugs, or a tea pot. Mix in the sugar according to taste, and serve hot.

INDIAN MASALA CHAI

Steps:

• In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon, or use a coffee grinder.
• 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.
• 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.
• Enjoy!

MASALA CHAI

Steps:

• For the infusion, put the cardamom seeds in a pestle and mortar, along with the cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns, and bash to release the oils - you don't want to make a powder. Tip into a pan and stir in the ginger and black tea leaves.
• Pour in 400ml water and bring to a very gentle simmer over a low heat, to allow the tea to infuse before it starts to boil. Stir in the milk and sugar or syrup to taste, and remove from the heat. Leave to infuse for 2 mins before straining into mugs.