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masala chai in a cup

Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Tea)

Masala Chai, also known as Indian spiced tea, is a traditional beverages across India. This flavorful Indian drink is made by brewing black tea with milk, sugar, and a blend of warming spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and pepper. Perfect as a morning wake-up drink or a cozy evening cup, this masala chai recipe is easy, quick, and full of authentic Indian flavors.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage, Breakfast, Tea
Cuisine Indian
Servings 2 people
Calories 90 kcal

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.
Keyword indian beverage, indian tea, masala chai recipe