Masala Chai
Aromatic spiced tea simmered with ginger, cardamom, and milk. The authentic Indian chai that puts every coffee shop version to shame.
मसाला चाय
Masala chai is not just tea. It is a ritual, a daily rhythm woven into the fabric of Indian life. From the first light of morning to the quiet pause of late afternoon, chai marks the moments that matter. It is the drink offered to every guest, the cure for every bad day, and the companion to every meaningful conversation. A well-made cup of masala chai -- fragrant with crushed ginger and cardamom, rich with milk, and sweetened just enough -- is one of the simplest and most profound pleasures in the world.
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Ingredients
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Ingredients
Method
Simmer spices in water
Add water to a small saucepan over medium heat. While still cool, add crushed ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
Infuse
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 2-3 minutes. The water should turn slightly golden and smell intensely aromatic.
Add tea
Add CTC tea leaves and steep for 1 minute. The water will darken quickly.
Add milk and boil
Pour in the milk and increase heat to medium. As chai approaches a boil, let it rise, then lower heat before it spills. Repeat 2-3 times. Add sugar. Total simmering with milk: 3-4 minutes.
Strain and serve
Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into cups, pouring from a slight height to aerate. Serve immediately while steaming hot.
Tips for Success
Always boil the milk
Raw milk added to tea tastes flat. Letting the chai come to a full boil with the milk in the pot transforms the flavor, giving it that characteristic cooked richness.
Crush spices fresh
A light crush is all that is needed — just enough to crack open the cardamom pods and bruise the ginger. This releases the essential oils right when they are needed.
Time the tea leaves carefully
Tea leaves that steep too long turn bitter and astringent. Two to three minutes of total contact with hot liquid is the sweet spot for CTC tea.
Use a small pot
Chai is best made in small batches. A large pot with a thin layer of liquid does not simmer properly. The tea and milk need depth to roll and froth.
Nutrition
Per serving (approximate)
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Masala Chai
Aromatic spiced tea simmered with ginger, cardamom, and milk. The authentic Indian chai that puts every coffee shop version to shame.
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
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