Masala Chai Recipe (Indian Spiced Tea)
Masala Chai (also known as Indian spiced tea) is a famous Indian tea that is popular for its strong flavor and warm spices. It is made by boiling black tea leaves with milk, water, sugar, and different whole spices like ginger, green cardamom pods, and cinnamon. Masala tea is often served as a comforting drink with an Indian breakfast, enjoyed with a traditional Indian dish, or sipped as a relaxing evening beverage. The result is a sweet, creamy, and spicy Indian drink that gives comfort and energy. Let’s learn how to make masala chai at home in a simple way.
Ingredients (For 2 cups of Masala Chai)
You will need the following ingredients to make Indian Masala Tea:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk (full cream milk gives the best taste, but you can use any)
- 2 teaspoons black tea leaves (like Assam tea or Darjeeling tea)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (you can add more or less as you like)
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch) – crushed or grated
- 3 to 4 green cardamom pods – crushed slightly
- 1 small stick of cinnamon
- 2 to 3 cloves
- 2 to 3 black peppercorns – optional (for strong chai)
Note: You can also add a small pinch of fennel seeds or a tiny bit of nutmeg if you like more flavor.
How to Make Masala Chai (With Detailed Steps)
1. Take the following spices:
- Ginger
- Cardamom pods
- Cinnamon stick
- Cloves
- Peppercorns
Using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin, crush them lightly. You do not need to make a fine powder—just break them enough to release their aroma and natural oils.
2. Take a saucepan and add 1 cup water. Add all the lightly crushed spices into the water and then turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to form the flavorful base for your Indian masala tea.
4. add 2 teaspoons black tea leaves into the pan and stir it once. Let it boil again for 1 to 2 minutes. If you want strong flavored chai, let it boil for a bit longer.
5. Add 1 cup milk. Mix it gently and let the tea simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This makes the tea rich and creamy. If you use full cream milk, the masala chai will taste even better.
6. Add sugar, or more if you like sweeter tea. Stir well so the sugar melts completely in the tea and then turn off the stove.
You can also use jaggery cubes (gur) or honey if you want a healthier version, but don’t add them while boiling. Add them after turning off the flame.
7. Place a strainer over a cup. Slowly pour the tea through it to catch the tea leaves and spices. Your hot, fresh, and homemade Masala Chai is ready to drink.
Tips for Best Masala Chai Recipe
- Always use fresh spices for the best flavored tea.
- Use Assam tea (Chai Patti) for strong and bold taste, or Darjeeling tea for a lighter flavor.
- Boil the tea enough so that the spices and tea leaves get time to release all their goodness.
- You can adjust the amount of each spice as per your liking. For example, more ginger for a strong taste, more cardamom for sweetness.
- Try not to reheat chai again and again. It tastes best when served hot and fresh.
What to Eat with Masala Chai?
Masala Chai tastes even better with some snacks. Here are a few Indian snacks you can enjoy with your tea:
- Biscuits (like Parle-G or Marie)
- Pakoras (fried vegetable fritters)
- Samosas
- Khari or Mathri
- Toast with butter
Masala Chai is not just a drink, it’s an emotion for many Indian people. Whether it’s a rainy day, a morning wake-up drink, or a way to relax in the evening, a cup of homemade masala chai brings comfort and joy. With this detailed recipe, you can now make tea easily at home and enjoy the rich flavors of Indian spices.
FAQs
Masala tea, or masala chai, is a traditional Indian tea made by brewing black tea with a blend of aromatic Indian spices, herbs, milk, and sugar.
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of masala tea by using plant-based milk or just water for a lighter tea.
Masala chai tastes best when served immediately. You can store it for a few hours, but reheating may slightly alter the flavor.
Recipe Card
Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Tea)
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Mortar and pestle or rolling pin (for crushing spices)
- 1 Strainer
- 2 Cups or mugs
- 2 Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk full cream preferred for richness
- 2 tsp black tea leaves Assam or Darjeeling
- 2 tsp sugar adjust to taste
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger crushed or grated
- 3 green cardamom pods slightly crushed
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 3 black peppercorns optional, for a stronger chai
- Optional A pinch of fennel seeds or a tiny bit of nutmeg
Instructions
- Lightly crush ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or rolling pin. Do not grind them into powder, just enough to release the aromas.
- Add 1 cup of water to a saucepan and add the crushed spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes until aromatic.
- Add 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves to the boiling water. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. For stronger tea, you can simmer slightly longer.
- Pour in 1 cup of milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the tea becomes creamy and well-blended.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar (or adjust to taste). Mix everything well until the sugar dissolves.
- Note: For healthier versions, use jaggery powder or honey, but add them after turning off the heat.
- Turn off the heat. Strain the Masala chai into cups using a fine mesh strainer. Serve hot with Indian snacks like samosa and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh, whole Indian spices for the most authentic taste.
- Assam tea gives a stronger flavor, while Darjeeling tea makes a milder tea.
- Adjust spice quantities to your preference, you can add more ginger for spiciness, more cardamom for sweetness.
- Avoid reheating chai multiple times, it tastes best fresh and hot.
